A comprehensive and ambitious proposal for a utopian community in the Bay Area has been unveiled by tech billionaire backers, showcasing plans for tens of thousands of homes surrounded by open space, trails, and powered by renewable energy sources. The aerial view of the project released by California Forever highlights the community’s proximity to the broader Bay Area, emphasizing the transformation of unused farmland into “walkable middle-class neighborhoods with homes we can afford.”

The release of the photo and accompanying ad comes as California Forever continues to gather signatures for a ballot initiative in Solano County, aiming to amend zoning codes to allow the project to be built on agricultural land. The initiative, titled the East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative, would go before voters in November with 13,000 valid signatures.

The project’s backers include Jan Sramek, former Goldman Sachs trader and CEO of California Forever; Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn; Marc Andreessen, venture capitalist; and Patrick and John Collison, founders of Stripe. The newly released materials aim to address concerns and provide clarity on the project, which had been shrouded in secrecy as tech billionaires quietly acquired farmland.

One key point of contention has been the community’s proximity to Travis Air Force Base, with California Forever stating that there would be a security buffer zone separating the community from the base. The planned open space of 712 acres would feature sports fields and trails, bridging the gap between the new community and the neighboring city of Rio Vista.

The renderings of the proposed community depict picturesque open spaces, tree-lined neighborhoods, and a vibrant downtown area, offering a vision of a thriving and sustainable living environment. The project promises $500 million for down-payment assistance, scholarships, parks, and the creation of 15,000 new higher-paying jobs in manufacturing and technology for Solano County residents.

Designed to accommodate 50,000 residents initially, the community has the potential to grow to a population of up to 400,000. However, the project has faced opposition from the Solano County chapter of the Sierra Club and concerns from local residents about potential traffic impacts.

If approved by voters, the initiative would still require additional government approvals, with the possibility of legal challenges from environmental groups. Campaign manager Matt Rodriguez expressed optimism about engaging with the Solano County community and sharing information about the project’s benefits.