Tech billionaires’ plan to build eco-friendly city faces opposition in California

A company backed by Silicon Valley billionaires aims to create an eco-friendly city in Solano County, California, but faces local opposition over environmental concerns and land use.

Sachi Kitajima Mulkey reports for Grist.

In short:

• California Forever, led by former Goldman Sachs trader Jan Sramek, plans to build a new city on 60,000 acres of farmland, promising solutions to housing and sustainability issues.
• Despite spending millions to gain support, the plan was withdrawn after local opposition and a poll showing 70% voter disapproval.
• Critics argue that developing existing communities is a better solution for housing and environmental issues than creating new cities.

Key quote:

“Building housing in existing communities is one of our best climate solutions, and paving over 17,000 acres of non-irrigated farmland is not.”

— Sadie Wilson, director of planning and research, Greenbelt Alliance

Why this matters:

Creating new cities from scratch raises questions about environmental sustainability and resource use. While such projects promise innovation, they often face hurdles in balancing development with ecological preservation and community needs.