Attachment 2: Annual Progress Report on the General Plan (2024)
g g
City of Fairfield
1000 Webster Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
fairfield.ca.gov
JANUARY 1, 2024, THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2024
2024 ANNUAL
PROGRESS
REPORT ON THE
GENERAL PLAN
CITY OF FAIRFIELD
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ON THE GENERAL PLAN
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INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
California Government Code Section 65400(b) requires all jurisdictions to provide Annual Progress Reports (Annual Reports) summarizing the implementation of their General Plans. The City of Fairfield’s (City or Fairfield) General Plan (Plan) represents the city’s vision for growth and development and establishes a policy framework for making long -term decisions. The General Plan is implemented through staff and elected official decisions, capital improvement projects, Municipal Code updates, programs, actions, and processes.
This report describes the City’s progress in implementing the policies and programs of the 2002 Plan as set forth in the General Plan Implementation Program, including the c ity’s progress on providing its share of regional housing needs. The report is organized by topic areas based on the General Plan chapters called “elements.” Core topics of the General Plan include land use and urban design, transportation, the protection of Travis Air Force Base, public facilities and services, parks and recreation, conservation and open space, and economic development. This is the 23 rd
Annual Report prepared by the Community Development Department since the 2002 General Plan Update and is available online at the c ity’s website at www.fairfield.ca.gov under “Community Development Department.” For further information, please contact:
Jessie Hernandez, Associate Planner
City of Fairfield
Community Development Department
1000 Webster Street, 2
nd Floor
Fairfield, CA 94533
707-428-7450
[email protected]
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GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
This Annual Report was prepared in 2025 based on the General Plan Implementation Program of the 2002 General Plan. In 2026, the Annual Reports will assess the city’s progress implementing the 2024 General Plan, which was adopted in December 2024.
DEVELOPMENT IN 2024
Key projects approved, under construction, and/or completed during 2024 included:
Approved
Residential:
Webster Villas Time Extension
Aviatrix Re-Entitlement
943 Ohio Street Residences
Commercial:
Horizon Self Storage
Archway Recovery Services Expansion
Mercedes Benz Fairfield Van Service Center Improvements Communicare + Ole Tenant Improvement
Meals on Wheels of Solano County
Kaiser Site Improvements for Mobile Imaging Unit
Industrial:
Horizon Self Storage
510 Chadbourne Road Warehouse
80-12 Industrial Center Time Extension #1
Gateway 80 Building C Extension #6
Anheuser Busch 800sf Building Addition
Under Construction
Residential:
Villages at Fairfield – Village I
Villages at Fairfield – Village II
One Lake – Neighborhood 5
One Lake – Neighborhood 6
One Lake – Neighborhood R
One Lake – Neighborhood K1
One Lake – Neighborhood L
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Monte Verde
Goldhill Village
Aurora Apartments
Parkside Flats
Brio Studios
Commercial:
Kaiser Mobile Imaging Unit
Taco Bell
Industrial:
LogistiCenter
Public Facilities:
Fire Station 36
Fire Station 39
Completed
Commercial:
Raising Canes
LAND USE ELEMENT
Heart of Fairfield Specific Plan. In 2017, the City Council adopted the Heart of Fairfield Plan for Downtown Fairfield, which includes both the traditional downtown area and the West Texas Street corridor. Specific activities initiated or completed in 2024 include:
• City oversight of the Fairfield Farmers Market, MAYkers Market, Blues Brews and BBQ, Tomato and Vine Festival, Independence Day Parade, Veterans Day Parade, and Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting special events; and
• One (1) façade improvement funded by the “Revitalization and Enhancement Assistance Program” (REAP) Façade Improvement Program; and • Grand opening events at several new downtown businesses, including Cedars Corner Bar and Kitchen (REAP recipient), Butter Pecan Bake Shop, Aunt Bill’s Soul Food, Fairfield Bicycles, Fairfield Arts, Ariana’s Kitchen, Ryan’s Café, Saigon Nho, and Little Mya’s Bakery.
Train Station Specific Plan. The City Council adopted the Train Station Specific Plan in July 2011.
The Specific Plan plans for new parks, schools, open space, commercial, industrial, residential, and office land uses arranged in neighborhoods, including a “transit village” near the Train Station. In 2024, the continued build-out of residential single-family homes in Planning Area 4, also known as One Lake, commenced. Additionally, further subdivision improvement maps
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were executed for the One Lake extension area, Planning Area 5. Progress continued in Planning Area 7 with the ongoing development of Matt Garcia Park designs. Two Development Agreement Amendments were executed for Canon Station, encompassing Planning Areas 4, 5, and 6, facilitating further development in these areas.
Zoning Ordinance Cleanup. The Planning Commission approved updates to the Zoning Ordinance. The revisions correct typographical errors, clarify language, and incorporate amendments that implement city policy, practice, and General Plan goals, objectives, and policies, as well as comply with State law. Specifically, the update created new land use definitions, updated land use and development regulations for several zoning districts, removed references to the former Downtown Commercial Core (CDC) District in the Train Station Specific Plan PD Overlay District, adjusted development permit requirement thresholds for single-family residential developments, and established new regulations for calculating building transparency.
HOUSING ELEMENT
New Construction. Active housing construction continued throughout 2024, with residential development focused primarily in northeast Fairfield and the Cordelia area. The One Lake community continued to see building permits issued throughout 2024. Citywide, 302 building permits were issued for residential projects in 2024, including 15 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Two hundred eighty-one (281) residential units were constructed in 2024, including 12 ADUs.
Table 1 summarizes the city’s progress in meeting the Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) assigned by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Association of Bay Area Governments. RHNA numbers do not represent a requirement to build affordable housing if resources to support construction are not available and market conditions limit the ability of the city or private entities to build lower cost housing.
Affordable Housing. Four (4) very low, four (4) low, and four (4) moderate-income housing units were built in 2024. As in past years, the numbers reported in Table 1 are new construction—building permits that have been “finaled” in 2024. City housing policies continue to emphasize preserving housing affordability through rehabilitation loans, first-time homebuyer programs, and mortgage credit certificates. These programs have enabled lower- income households to purchase homes in market priced residential neighborhoods. In addition, short sales and foreclosure sales continued to provide opportunities for lower and moderate- income households with credit and down payments.
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Table 1. 6th Cycle Regional Housing Need Allocation Progress from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024
Income Level
Year Very Low Low Moderate Above
Moderate
Total
Projected Need*
2023-2031
792 464 539 1,274 3,069
Units Built
2023-2024
40 143 49 746 978
Remaining Need 752 321 490 528 2,091
* “Projected Need” is the RHNA assigned through Association of Bay Area Governments and Solano County Subregional Group. New construction data was compiled by the Fairfield Planning Division using Building Permit data.
State Housing Element Annual Progress Report. The State of California also requires the City to submit a comprehensive digital report, the Housing Element Annual Progress Report (Housing Element Annual Report), which includes all housing entitlement applications (Planning and Building Permit), permits issued, permits finalized, income levels for each entitlement or building permit, funding sources for affordable housing projects, and compliance with State permit streamlining mandates. This full report is available on the Community Development Department webpage. The Housing Element Annual Report summary sheet is provided below, which compiles high-level information from the Housing Element Annual Report.
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Table 2. 2024 Annual Progress Report Summary Sheet
Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level Current Year
Very Low
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 4
Low
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 4
Moderate
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 4
Above Moderate
290
Total Units 302
Note: Units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-income permitted unit totals.
Units by Structure Type Entitled Permitted Completed
Single-family Attached 0 0 0
Single-family Detached 2 215 269
2 to 4 units per structure 5 0 0
5+ units per structure 346 72 0
Accessory Dwelling Unit 2 15 12
Mobile/Manufactured Home 0 0 0
Total 355 302 281
Infill Housing Developments and Infill Units
Permitted # of Projects Units
Indicated as Infill 20 89
Not Indicated as Infill 213 213
Housing Applications Summary
Total Housing Applications Submitted: 183
Number of Proposed Units in All Applications Received: 496 Total Housing Units Approved: 179
Total Housing Units Disapproved: 0
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Emergency Shelters
In 2024, the city extended the terms of two current Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with SHELTER Solano, Inc. for the provision of emergency shelter beds. The Mission Samoa Homeless Shelter and Site Utilities project was completed. Fairfield also adopted a safe parking program, permit process, and operational standards to expand emergency shelter options for unhoused residents.
HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program. The Fairfield Housing Authority (FHA) administered the Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program. This program assisted households afford the rising cost of market-rate rental units. Assistance included housing subsidies, security deposits, and utility assistance. Levels of subsidy varied based on income, household composition, and need. The TBRA program was placed under a temporary moratorium while the State of California Housing Community Development Department (HCD) was under review by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The TBRA program will continue in 2025 to provide subsidies to residents who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness with incomes no greater than 30% Area Median Income (AMI).
Housing Rehabilitation Assistance. Housing Rehabilitation Program loans and grants are targeted to low-income (single-family) and low- and very low-income (multifamily) households. In 2024, approximately six (6) homes were funded and rehabilitated via Community Development Block Grant program funds.
Housing Successor Agency.
As required by state law (Senate Bill 341), the Fairfield Housing Successor Agency prepared an Annual Report. Construction of three (3) units was completed on one successor agency property, and construction began on one successor agency property that will lead to 167 multifamily and single-family units.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV). The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program provides rental assistance to low-income families. Program assistance is provided on behalf of the participant's family. Each family is responsible for locating their own housing, which promotes "housing choice" and encourages economic mobility. In 2024, FHA received funding to administer 914 vouchers, completed the Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) assessment with a passing score, completed waitlist pulls to try and house low-income residents, and continuously worked on backfilling vacant Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers units.
Pro-Housing Designation. In 2024, Fairfield obtained a Pro-Housing Designation from the State of California, expanding funding opportunities for the city’s housing initiatives.
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OPEN SPACE, CONSERVATION AND RECREATION ELEMENT
Joint Use Agreement. Since 1989, the City and Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District have held continuous joint use agreements to expand access to public facilities and recreation services.
The current agreement is valid until 2028 to continue this partnership.
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. In December 2024, the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan (Master Plan) was adopted. This is a comprehensive planning document for Fairfield's parks and recreational programming and park development. The Master Plan includes an analysis of the existing park system, recreation programs, levels of service, and key findings, including gaps and opportunities. The Master Plan serves as a guide and recommendation for how Fairfield will improve, expand, repurpose, prioritize, maintain, staff, and fund the community's park assets and recreational programming over the next 15 years.
Special Events. The Parks and Recreation Department holds special events year-round to serve the community, create a sense of place, and activate public spaces. In 2024, the Parks and Recreation Department held a variety of special events at city parks and facilities, including:
• Luck O’ the Irish Dinner
• Stride & Ride (x2) Paradise Valley and Rancho Solano golf courses • Dog Daze at Allen Witt Dog Park (x2) Allan Witt and Cordelia Park • Spring Egg-dive-aganza
• Spring Dinner
• Junk in the Trunk
• Trucks of the Trade
• A Music in Time Show & Luncheon
• National Night Out at the Aquatic Center
• Summer Music Series – Concerts in the Park (x9)
• Summer Movies and Food Trucks (x4)
• Neon Night Swim
• Country BBQ Hoedown Luncheon
• Mexican Fiesta Taco Bar Luncheon
• 2nd Planet Concert
• Helios Concert
• Spooktacular Karaoke Luncheon
• Bobbing for Pumpkins
• Fall Harvest Dinner
• Holiday Luncheon
• Holiday Craft and Gift Fair
• Santa Splash
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Linear Park Node 4A. The city approved the Linear Park Node 4A – 2030 North Texas Recreation Center Project as part of the Community Spaces Initiative’s five-year implementation plan. The project will develop a 4.43-acre site at 2030 North Texas Street, featuring a 6,700-square-foot recreation center and park. Construction is expected to begin in March 2025 and be completed by April 2026.
In December 2021, the city secured $5.67 million in Proposition 68 grant funding from the State Department of Parks and Recreation to finance the park components, ensuring the inclusion of multi-use fields, a jogging trail, playgrounds, a fitness node, and various recreational facilities.
The city also partnered with First 5 Solano Children and Families to establish the recreation center as a hub for early childhood education, parental support, and essential community services.
The site, located along Linear Park Trail, will provide diverse recreational opportunities, including a multi-use court for basketball, futsal, volleyball, and pickleball, as well as a running track, open space, and a plaza with picnic areas. Safety features such as perimeter fencing and lighting will be incorporated. While construction progresses, staff will coordinate deliveries and utility work to minimize disruptions. The project represents a significant investment in Fairfield’s community infrastructure, expanding public spaces and services for residents.
CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Lee Bell Park and Sidewalk Gap Closure Project.
The city secured $543,804 in CDBG funding to enhance pedestrian infrastructure in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. The project successfully constructed approximately 14,500 square feet of new concrete sidewalks, ADA ramps, and compliant driveway approaches, improving accessibility and connectivity in areas south of Texas Street and east of Pennsylvania Avenue. Additionally, a new concrete pathway at Lee Bell Park provides improved circulation for pedestrians, city maintenance, and Police Department patrol vehicles, addressing long- standing infrastructure gaps in older subdivisions and parks. Originally included in the city’s FY 2023-2024 CDBG annual action plan, this initiative reinforces the city’s commitment to safety, accessibility, and neighborhood walkability.
Safe Routes to School. The city successfully secured $2 million in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) funds to implement the Travis Safe Route to Schools and Transit Trail Project, enhancing safe walking and biking routes for students and commuters in northeast Fairfield. The project focused on opening the Train Station south portal and constructing a Class I trail, connecting three schools and Travis Air Force Base. Improvements included ADA- compliant sidewalks, ramps, and driveway approaches, ensuring greater accessibility and connectivity. In partnership with the Solano Transportation Authority (STA), the city leveraged
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additional federal and state funding to complete the project, reinforcing its commitment to alternative transportation options.
Furthering the city’s commitment to pedestrian safety, the Solano Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Micro-Grant Program awarded $30,000 for crosswalk and signage enhancements around local schools. Through coordinated efforts with the 3E Committee, priority improvements included installing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at elementary schools, upgrading crosswalks with high-visibility markings, and adding ADA ramps along critical student pathways. These improvements aim to create safer routes for children walking and biking to school.
The city finalized the Grange Middle School Safe Routes to School and Pavement Preservation Project, addressing essential infrastructure upgrades for student safety. This initiative ensures safe, well-maintained pedestrian routes and enhances overall neighborhood accessibility.
Through these projects, the city continues to prioritize safe and sustainable transportation options for its students and residents.
Climate Adaption Resiliency Plan for Transportation Infrastructure. The city entered into a funding agreement with the STA, contributing a $5,000 match to support hiring a consultant for the Solano Countywide Climate Adaptation Resiliency Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (Solano CCARP). Solano CCARP aimed to develop a strategic roadmap for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Solano County’s transportation system in response to climate change. The plan conducted a vulnerability assessment across eight jurisdictions to identify at- risk transportation assets and climate-related hazards. Based on the assessment’s findings, the plan recommended adaptation projects to protect and preserve critical transportation routes, ensuring long-term infrastructure stability and reliability.
Residential Development Improvements. Residential development infrastructure improvements were completed for four projects, including Green Valley Apartments, Villages at Fairfield Village 2-Lot 4, One Lake Neighborhood 8, and Vanden Road landscaping, meeting infrastructure needs generated by these new residential developments.
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES ELEMENT
Water Treatment Plant Improvements. The city undertook several key improvements to its water treatment infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and reliability. A major project focused on access improvements to the Cement Hill Water Treatment Plant due to the widening of Manuel Campos Parkway. The city collaborated with the Solano Irrigation District to relocate the Plant’s entryway to accommodate the roadway expansion, ensuring continued access and compliance with city and district standards. Construction was estimated to cost $1.87 million, with a design and construction period spanning approximately two years.
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The North Bay Regional Water Treatment Plant, jointly owned by Fairfield and Vacaville, underwent upgrades, including laboratory improvements and planning for future expansion.
Given the region’s growth, both cities identified the need to expand the plant, originally conceived in 1988. West Yost Associates was selected to develop a program for expansion, focusing on governance, funding strategies, and technical evaluations. The initiative aimed to ensure the plant’s capacity met future demand through a structured planning process involving both municipalities.
Additionally, the Waterman Water Treatment Plant received significant upgrades, specifically to its aging high lift pump station. Constructed in 1974, the facility required critical replacements to maintain reliable water distribution to western Fairfield. The project included replacing five turbine pumps, upgrading electrical components from 4160 volts to 480 volts, incorporating an emergency backup generator, and installing a new main switchboard with solar compatibility.
These upgrades were essential in modernizing the city’s water treatment facilities, improving service reliability, and preparing for future capacity needs.
Lopes Road Waterline. During the winter storms of 2023, a landslide along Lopes Road caused significant damage to the roadway, a 30-inch Fairfield potable water pipeline, and a 36-inch City of Benicia raw water pipeline. Both cities declared local emergencies and secured federal and state disaster assistance. Fairfield, in collaboration with the City of Benicia, FEMA, and Cal OES, initiated the Lopes Road & Water Pipeline Reconstruction Project to restore critical infrastructure. A Memorandum of Understanding was established between the two cities to outline cost-sharing and project responsibilities, with Fairfield acting as the lead agency for design, permitting, and construction administration.
West Texas Street Utility Relocation. The city secured an Active Transportation Program grant to enhance West Texas Street between Beck Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue. However, the existing water main in this area had reached the end of its useful life and conflicted with planned improvements. To address this, the city approved plans and specifications for the West Texas Street Utility Relocation Project. The project involves replacing the old 12-inch water main with a new one along the north side of West Texas Street. Construction is expected to take 75 working days, with completion anticipated by early 2025, weather permitting. The water main relocation is necessary to facilitate the broader West Texas Complete Streets Project, which aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in an area with high accident rates. The Complete Streets Project was developed based on public input and is part of the Heart of Fairfield Specific Plan.
Medical Transportation Services. The current Ambulance Transportation Services contract is set to expire in May 2025. To prepare for a new contract, the Solano Emergency Medical Services Cooperative (SEMSC) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP). In anticipation, the Cities of Fairfield, Benicia, Dixon, Rio Vista, Suisun City, and Vallejo jointly conducted an Ambulance Services Transportation & Optimization Study, which recommended an ambulance
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subcontracting model to improve service, financial sustainability, and collaboration. Fairfield led the effort and selected Medic Ambulance Services, Inc. (Medic) as the subcontractor. The city plans to bid for the SEMSC contract with Medic. If successful in winning SEMSC’s contract, a 10- year contract with Medic will be finalized, improving EMS service delivery and generating positive fiscal impacts for Fairfield in the coming years.
Enhanced Police Equipment. The Fairfield Police Department upgraded its unmanned robots and aerial vehicles to enhance public safety and operational effectiveness. The department’s previous robots, used for high-risk situations such as search warrants, barricaded suspects, and hostage rescues, had become outdated after Robotex ceased operations in 2023. These limitations prompted the city to acquire two new, advanced robots, significantly improving SWAT operations by enhancing mobility, camera quality, and microphone functionality. These upgrades ensured officers could continue responding to critical incidents safely and efficiently while reducing risks to the community.
Similarly, the department expanded its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) program, which had been instrumental in suspect searches, missing persons cases, evidence collection, and traffic investigations since its launch in 2019. The City Council approved the purchase of three DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal UAVs for daily field operations, one DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise UAV for high-precision evidence collection, and one DJI Avata UAV for interior tactical missions. These upgrades, including high-precision and tactical UAVs, improved surveillance, increased deployment efficiency, and enhanced officer decision-making during emergencies.
In compliance with Assembly Bill 481, the City Council conducted its required annual review of the Fairfield Police Department’s Military Equipment Report and Military Equipment Use Policy.
This process ensures transparency and public oversight regarding the acquisition and use of designated equipment, including UAVs and other critical tools. By approving these updates, the city reinforced its commitment to modernizing law enforcement capabilities, improving officer safety, and enhancing community protection.
Software. The city approved several technology-related initiatives to enhance efficiency and security across various departments. These included the purchase of the Security Scorecard tool from ePlus Technology Inc. to strengthen cybersecurity, asset management software from Ivanti, Inc. to improve resource tracking, and human resources management software from NEOGOV to streamline personnel operations. Additionally, agreements were authorized for workforce scheduling software with InTime Services, Inc., agenda management software with eScribe Software Ltd., and continued support for the First-In Alerting System with Westnet, LLC.
The city also approved datacenter colocation and disaster recovery services from ePlus Technology, Inc., along with a professional services agreement for consulting on the Fiber Network to develop broadband and microtrenching standards. These initiatives were incorporated into the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget, reinforcing the city’s commitment to modernization and operational resilience.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Land For Sale. The city has five lots for sale for commercial and industrial development and is actively marketing these sites to potential buyers to bring new developments in 2025.
Economic Development Strategic Plan. In the middle of 2024, the city transitioned from the Economic Development Strategic Plan to the Economic Development Workplan, marking a pivotal shift from a long-term vision to actionable, focused initiatives. While the Strategic Plan set the overarching goals and priorities for economic growth, the Workplan provides a detailed roadmap for implementation, outlining specific projects, timelines, and resource allocations.
This transition allowed for a more structured approach to achieving key objectives, ensuring that the community’s economic development goals were met efficiently and effectively. By breaking down broader strategies into clear, measurable actions, the Workplan ensured alignment with the overall General Plan vision while driving tangible progress.
Heart of Fairfield Specific Plan. The Economic Development team continues to make progress in advancing the goals of the Heart of Fairfield Specific Plan through the implementation of the Heart of Fairfield Roadmap. Key initiatives include the successful promotion of the Downtown Revitalization and Enhancement Assistance Program (REAP), a collaborative partnership with the Police Department to host quarterly Downtown Business Walks, and the Downtown Pulse, a quarterly newsletter. Additionally, the city has organized a variety of special events, such as the weekly farmers’ market, the Tomato and Vine Festival, MAYkers Market, Blues, Brews, and BBQ; the Independence Day and Veterans Day Parades, and the Holiday Tree and Menorah Lightings.
Supporting downtown business growth remains a priority, with several grand openings hosted for new establishments, including Cedars Corner Bar and Kitchen (a REAP recipient), Butter Pecan Bake Shop, Aunt Bill’s Soul Food, Fairfield Bicycles, Fairfield Arts, Ariana’s Kitchen, Ryan’s Café, Saigon Nho, and Little Mya’s Bakery.
Another major milestone was the completion of Streetscape Phase 1A, which focused on enhancing public spaces in the downtown area. This phase included the removal of outdated stone pergolas and benches, making way for modern, durable, and aesthetically pleasing amenities. These improvements align with the community’s vision for a revitalized and inviting downtown, contributing to better walkability, safety, and overall public enjoyment.
Business Recruitment and Retention Progress & Ongoing Initiatives. In 2024, the Economic Development Division continued advancing the city's business recruitment and retention programs, guided by the Economic Development Strategic Plan and Workplan. Efforts focused on attracting target industries, strengthening relationships with brokers and property owners, and supporting both new and existing businesses through strategic outreach and assistance.
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Key initiatives included:
• Market Research & Targeting: Identifying industries aligned with the city’s economic strengths and workforce capabilities.
• Outreach & Networking: Engaging with industry leaders, developers, and investors through trade shows, conferences, and networking events to promote business opportunities in the region.
• Site Selection Assistance: Providing businesses with detailed data on available properties, infrastructure, and workforce resources to facilitate site selection and expansion.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and workforce development organizations to create a supportive business environment.
• Client Relationship Management: Conducting business visits, surveys, and check-ins to proactively address business needs, challenges, and growth opportunities. • Public Awareness Campaigns: Enhancing the city’s visibility as a business-friendly destination through marketing efforts, website updates, and media outreach.
These ongoing initiatives reinforce the city’s commitment to fostering a thriving business climate, supporting economic growth, and ensuring long-term success for local businesses.
Fairfield Auto Mall. Audi Napa Valley is the newest addition to the Fairfield Auto Mall, currently operating in temporary quarters at Volkswagen of Fairfield until its permanent facility opens next spring at 2775 Auto Mall Parkway. This marks the third California dealership for Fairfield Automotive Partners, a joint venture between the Denver-based, family-owned Schomp Automotive Group and Third Set Partners, a family-owned African American business. In addition to Audi Napa Valley, Fairfield Automotive Partners also owns and operates BMW of Fairfield and Volkswagen of Fairfield, which were both completed and opened in 2023.
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TRAVIS PROTECTION ELEMENT
Enhanced Use Lease Area Program. City staff continued discussions with the Travis Air Force Base regarding potential uses on 75 acres of vacant property on-base near Vanden High School.
This land is expected to be part of the Enhanced Use Lease Area (EULA) program.
Travis Community Consortium. The Travis Community Consortium (TCC) is a coalition whose active members include the Cities of Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Suisun City, Rio Vista, Vacaville, and Vallejo, as well as Solano County, Solano EDC, Travis Credit Union, and the Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee. The purpose of the TCC is to support efforts that enhance the military value of Travis Air Force Base and secure the base against future rounds of Base Realignments and Closures (BRAC) or other movements detrimental to the installation and local community, such as sequestration. The protection and enhancement of operations for Travis Air Force Base have long been a city priority because of the economic benefit to the community, currently estimated at approximately $1.7 billion.
Solano EDC continued to provide staffing to the TCC in 2024. The TCC focused on the retention of existing assets (C-5, C-17) and missions, and supporting new assets such as the KC-46. With unpredictable base cuts due to periodic and ongoing sequestration, the TCC focused on preserving these missions by engaging with key leadership at Travis Air Force Base, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and the Air Mobility Command. The TCC also continued to support federal representatives to preserve Travis’s existing aircraft, including technological upgrades and ongoing maintenance funding.
Energy Resiliency at the Travis Air Force Base. The city moved forward with an additional Department of Defense (DOD) grant to enhance energy resilience at Travis Air Force Base (TAFB). Building on the success of the 2022 Military Installation Resilience Review (MIRR) grant, which produced a comprehensive infrastructure resilience plan, this next phase will further develop solutions for improved energy security. The initial grant led to a groundbreaking community-led tabletop exercise, identifying and prioritizing 37 civil projects to strengthen TAFB’s infrastructure and regional resilience.
With Round 2 of the MIRR grant, the city is focused on implementing key projects to support TAFB’s 14-day mission assurance and regional energy resilience. Planned initiatives include upgrades to the electrical grid, distributed energy generation, and the development of microgrids with battery storage to ensure uninterrupted military operations, public safety, and essential services. These efforts will not only fortify national defense capabilities but also provide long-term sustainability for the surrounding communities by targeting strategic investments and securing additional funding for critical infrastructure improvements.