Emerging Cities Present an Opportunity to Reimagine Local Governance

The average age of owner-occupied homes in California stands at 45 years, reflecting a relatively recent construction era, especially in light of escalating real estate prices, which now exceed $900,000. The author’s nostalgia is tied to their midcentury ranch-style home, highlighting the transition from agricultural land to urban developments driven by creativity and investment. As cities, suburbs, and small towns evolved, so did the perception of the American Dream, particularly the pursuit of homeownership. Unfortunately, this dream has been compromised over the years due to strict no-growth regulations and urban growth boundaries that have stifled new development, particularly along the coast. A report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office identified chronic underbuilding as a significant concern, exacerbated by various governmental restrictions. Although developers could meet housing demands, they are often hindered by complicated and costly state regulations designed to manage environmental impacts and community growth.

In response to the growing housing crisis, even California’s progressive lawmakers have begun to seek solutions that might alleviate the burdens imposed by the existing regulatory environment. Proposals aimed at streamlining “by right” development approvals signal a shift in recognizing the urgent need for new housing options. However, the state’s leadership often adheres to an urbanist ideology that overlooks the preferences of many residents for car-centered suburban living. By primarily easing regulations for high-density projects, which do not align with public demand for more traditional housing options, these initiatives fall short of effectively addressing the housing crisis. This unsatisfactory situation has incentivized innovative residents and entrepreneurs to revisit the idea of constructing entirely new cities in California as a way to counterbalance the historical constraints of urban planning and development.

Among the most notable proposals is the California Forever initiative, particularly its ambitious East Solano Plan, aimed at establishing a city of over 50,000 residents on currently unused ranch land between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. Spearheaded by prominent tech investors, this proposal envisions a revitalized downtown area featuring walkable communities. However, following initial public unease, the project’s backers elected to postpone their ballot initiative and instead navigate the complex entitlement process typical for county development. This approach raises questions about the viability of such ambitious projects within California’s outdated and cumbersome regulatory landscape.

In the meantime, other new-city projects are garnering attention. Sutter County supervisors have approved the groundwork for the Sutter Pointe plan, which aims to integrate approximately 17,500 homes within the vicinity of Sacramento, fostering the emergence of what can be considered a new city. While it may lack the grandiose vision of East Solano, its more streamlined regulatory path could lead to timely execution. Similarly, the Esmeralda project in north Sonoma County has attracted interest due to its concept of a tech-centric community designed to resemble a rustic Italian village. Though critics may dismiss it as yet another upscale development in wine country, the need for diverse housing options and experimental approaches to urban planning remains pressing, with many locals expressing cautious optimism about such initiatives.

The emergence of new cities presents more than just a housing solution; it also opens up discussions surrounding innovative governance structures that could potentially supersede existing local institutions. Constant narratives on homelessness, urban crime, inadequate public services, and the burden of public pensions highlight a broader dysfunction within current governance models. This scenario prompts an exploration of alternative governance approaches, including the possibility of self-governing cities or Special Economic Zones, which have previously thrived under privatized management in other regions. While new-city developers in California have largely refrained from explicitly detailing their governance plans, contemplating new systems remains crucial in rekindling local governmental efficiency.

Critics of the new-city movement often liken these proposals to previous master-planned communities that have characterized California’s development history. However, the argument is made that all cities began as new projects, fundamentally representing a pivotal aspect of urban progress. The article emphasizes the need to return to the spirit of encouraging new developments, akin to the original intentions of urban planners who sought to meet evolving societal needs. Given the current housing crisis, embracing innovative solutions and rethinking assumptions about urban growth appears to be the necessary next step for California as it confronts the challenges of evolving community needs and aspirations for homeownership. Overall, the narrative asserts that it is high time for California to reengage with its foundational principles of urban expansion and development.