California city plan funded by Silicon Valley investors put on hold

The East Solano Plan, a proposal by Silicon Valley investors to develop a new city for up to 400,000 residents on farmland in Solano County, California, has been put on hold for at least two years. This decision follows concerns about the project's environmental impact and community opposition. The plan aimed to create a walkable urban community but faced significant backlash from local residents and farmers, who were apprehensive about the investors' identities and intentions. The company, California Forever, has spent approximately $900 million acquiring land but has been embroiled in legal disputes, including a $500 million antitrust lawsuit against farmers who refused to sell their land. A recent report indicated that the project would require substantial infrastructure investment, but details remained unclear. The delay was agreed upon by California Forever and local officials, meaning a proposed ballot initiative for November will not proceed. The company plans to focus on preparing an environmental impact report and developing a more detailed agreement with the county. Critics, including local Congressman John Garamendi, have expressed skepticism about the project's viability, while supporters hope that additional studies will help garner public support. The company now aims to present the proposal to voters in 2026, with hopes that improved transparency and community engagement will lead to a more favorable outcome.