A high-profile plan to build an eco-friendly city between San Francisco and Sacramento is facing delays and challenges as the billionaires behind the proposal struggle to get it on the ballot for California voters this November. Former Goldman Sachs trader Jan Sramek unveiled the ballot initiative in January, envisioning a community with 20,000 homes, schools, jobs, and green space for 50,000 residents. However, the plan has been amended twice to address concerns from Solano County and a neighboring U.S. Air Force base.
Thursday marks the deadline for the county counsel's office to give the ballot initiative a title and summary, allowing signature gatherers to start collecting the 13,000 signatures needed. The delays have shortened the campaign's window to just two months to collect signatures, creating a tight timeline for verification. Despite the challenges, campaign spokesperson Brian Brokaw remains confident about meeting the November deadline.
Sramek's California Forever company has stealthily purchased rural land for the proposed development, which has raised concerns from critics about the lack of transparency and community engagement. Opponents argue that the plan lacks details and would strain the county's resources and ecosystems. The campaign has faced backlash from local officials, including congressmen who oppose the project.
The revised ballot initiative includes guarantees for the community, such as funding for home purchases and support for existing downtowns. However, concerns raised by the Air Force base have led to further revisions, including a larger buffer area between the development and the base. The campaign faces a tight deadline to submit signatures and gain approval for inclusion on the ballot, raising questions about the decision-making process for large-scale developments and environmental impact.
themes: San Francisco USA
