Vacaville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Vacaville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Centennial Park Bike Park via Landify Partnership
A French-backed company is building the Centennial Park bike park at zero cost to the city by importing clean construction dirt — but the timeline stretches to 2033, which disappointed commissioners.
Choosing a Path — Possible Sales Tax Measure
The city manager reported 450+ responses to a survey about a possible November 2026 revenue measure, with a community meeting set for March 19 at Three Oaks Community Center. No council decision has been made yet.
Youth Baseball and Softball Capacity Crunch
The council approved exclusive negotiating rights with a local group to study developing city-owned Nut Tree Park land near Browns Valley Parkway and Allison Drive. Neighbors and Solano County raised concerns about airport safety zones, traffic, and county involvement; any actual project would still require full entitlements and public hearings.
Public Safety and Crime
Vacaville's police are upgrading with drones to boost public safety, but they're also tackling issues like vandalism at memorials and a recent hit-and-run. Meanwhile, a local supervisor is under fire for alleged ethics violations.
Economic Development Hiring
Vacaville's got a new hire to supercharge the local economy! Amanda Portier is stepping in as the Economic Development Manager, tasked with bringing in new business and making Vacaville an even more attractive spot for companies.
Police Budget Cuts
Vacaville's police are cutting a unit that helps the homeless to save cash and deal with fewer officers. This is part of a bigger city budget cut, and the police chief says more cuts could be coming.
Wildfire Preparedness
Wildfire season is coming, and Vacaville's fire department is getting proactive! They joined forces with other agencies for a county event to help residents prep for the worst, showing off gear and reminding everyone to pack a go-bag and have an evacuation plan.
Drone Security Partnership
Your kids' schools are getting a tech upgrade! Vacaville PD is partnering with Kairos schools to use drones for faster emergency response, thanks to a state grant. This means quicker help is on the way if something happens.
de Colores Park discussion
With the city deficit spending and cutting department budgets again, Fremouw pushed to reopen the de Colores Park decision. The project has about $16 million committed from Measure M, state grants, and bond/CDBG funds, with 90% of design done — but pulling back could risk losing grants. Council narrowly voted just to schedule a discussion.
Budget Cuts
The city is deficit spending and asking departments for another 2.5% in cuts. The city manager and her leadership team — including the city attorney and assistant city manager — voluntarily gave up their 2026 cost-of-living raises to lead by example.
VandenGate and Vanden Cove police/fire annexations
Two ordinances finalized special taxes funding police and fire services for the new Vandengate and Vanden Cove Phase 1 annexation areas.
2025 Slurry Seal Street Maintenance Accepted
The city formally accepted the completed 2025 slurry seal project, wrapping up last year's street resurfacing work.
Capital Improvement Program Budget Adjustments
Staff walked council through how the $476 million, 214-project capital program works. The city's first-ever five-year CIP will be published online and come back with the budget in June — a transparency win for residents wondering what's planned in their neighborhood.
Lagoon Valley development progress
Longtime opponent Roberto Valdez voiced 30-plus years of opposition to Lagoon Valley development, citing burial sites at Peña Adobe. Staff said the developer met all subdivision map act conditions and the local tribe has been involved at every step regarding cultural remains.
School-zone speed signage concerns
Wylie and Fremouw flagged possibly outdated or confusing school speed signs — a 15-mph sign near a vacant Alamo Drive site, four-lane roads that can't legally post 15 mph, and conflicting 15/25 signs near Vacaville High. Staff will investigate.
Updated water and sewer construction standards
New standards make homeowners responsible for the sewer lateral from their house to the main — even under the street. Staff said it matches industry practice statewide, but repairs can run into the tens of thousands; an optional insurance program is being explored.
General liability self-insured retention for 2026/27
Council raised the deductible the city pays per liability claim from $750,000 to $1 million, saving about $208,000 a year in risk-pool premiums. Stockton dissented, and members directed the savings into a dedicated reserve fund.
Tulare Drive water line replacement
A $553,140 contract with Koios Engineering will replace the aging water line on Tulare Drive.
Strategic Plan and Reserve Policy Review
The council updated rules governing the city's emergency savings account, which helps protect services during downturns.
CalWARN emergency mutual aid agreement
The city joined a statewide water/wastewater mutual aid network at no cost, meaning faster backup help during emergencies like floods or quakes.
Section 8 housing plan
Staff explained how affordable housing projects get financed through layered sources—tax credits, state and federal grants, and city contributions—and why funding gaps stall projects like Oak Grove Senior Apartments. Federal budget cuts and a constrained state budget are making competition for gap funding worse.
Trower Park Alebrije public art
The commission reviewed draft designs for a colorful Alebrije sculpture planned for Trower Park. The artwork adds to the city's public art collection and brings vibrant cultural representation to local park spaces.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance / Housing Trust Fund Question
Vacaville permitted 445 homes in 2025 and is outpacing neighbors, but nearly all are market-rate. Council members pressed staff on why affordable projects keep losing out on scarce state grants, and one resident urged the city to stop approving market-rate projects without affordability.
Housing as Economic Infrastructure
The presentation framed housing as economic policy: without affordable places to live, employers face turnover and regions lose competitiveness. Council members tied this to Solano County job losses—Anheuser-Busch, Valero, Jelly Belly—and debated whether jobs or housing come first.
City Land Strategy and Combined RFP
Staff announced plans to package multiple vacant city-owned sites into one comprehensive RFP, asking developers to deliver a set number of units at specified affordability levels—possibly the city's biggest lever to spur affordable housing given limited funds.
Community Center Expansion
Vacaville's Islamic Center wants to expand, but some neighbors are worried. Supporters say it's about being a normal part of the community.
Battery energy storage regulation
The new ordinance bans lithium-ion battery chemistry in Vacaville, expands buffers around homes and schools to 500 feet, and requires cleanup bonds. It protects neighborhoods from fire and toxic-gas risks highlighted by the Moss Landing battery plant fire, while keeping the door open for safer battery technologies.
Keaton Park lighting safety
Councilmember Chapman relayed resident letters about lighting safety at Keaton Park and asked how soon the city can fix it; staff will investigate and report back.
Sphere of influence and county coordination
The city's municipal services review hit 350 comments from LAFCO and possible extra costs near $50,000. The council directed staff to negotiate an agreement with the county over unincorporated pockets inside Vacaville's sphere of influence — the groundwork for future annexations east of Leisure Town.
Southtown/Moody Housing Density Reduction
The city approved changing a 9.9-acre property at Leisure Town Road and Redstone Parkway from high-density residential to medium-density residential. This adjustment lowers the maximum potential housing units, shifting the neighborhood's future development profile.
Land Development Opposition
Residents are pushing back against a massive new development project, and it's causing a stir. This could seriously shake up how the city plans for the future and divvies up its resources.
Commission Appointment Policy Overhaul
The council created an applicant review committee — two councilmembers, staff directors, and two community members — to vet, interview, and rank commission applicants for the mayor, who still makes appointments. Councilmembers not on the committee agreed not to contact applicants until a nomination is made.
Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention
The mayor proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, honoring local anti-trafficking coalitions, and the police chief described arrests, federal partnerships, and survivor support work.
ADU and Land Use Code Updates
First readings advanced to bring Vacaville's ADU rules in line with 2025 state law and to update the annual land use code, including halving parking requirements for studios and one-bedrooms and allowing offices downtown with a lighter permit.
General Plan Amendment Process Streamlining
The council initiated a code change to let general plan amendment applications be filed any time of year instead of two narrow windows, and to rethink the council-initiation step that often confuses the public.
Credit Card Processing Fee
Starting no earlier than May 1, the city will pass credit card processing costs (up to 3%) to customers to save roughly $400,000 a year. Bank transfers, cash, and checks stay free, with a phased rollout and public education.
Business License Tax Modernization
Consultants showed Vacaville collects far less business license tax per resident and business than peer cities, and presented two gross-receipts-based models that could add $1.6–$2.4 million a year. No decision was made; polling results come back February 10 and any change would need voter approval.
Energy Storage Facilities
Big battery storage sites are coming to Vacaville, and some residents are nervous about how they'll affect their neighborhoods. It's all about ensuring these new facilities don't cause problems for the community.
Battery Storage Plant Ordinance
Big battery storage plants are coming to Vacaville, and the city is trying to figure out the rules. Residents are worried about safety and where these massive facilities will be located, leading to some serious debates.
Utility Rate Increase
Your utility bills in Vacaville are about to get a lot more expensive. Starting in July, expect to pay almost 20% more for your water, sewer, and trash services. Better start saving up!
City Manager Appointment
Vacaville has a new city manager, Savita Chaudhary! She's taking the reins and will be making key decisions about the city's future. Get ready for some fresh leadership!
Youth Engagement Program
Vacaville's 'Summer at City Hall' program is getting props for getting young people involved in local government. It's a great way to teach them how things work and hopefully inspire some future leaders.
Homeless Encampment Cleanup
Vacaville spent a hefty $22,000 to clear out a homeless encampment. Now the city's looking at whether this is a one-time fix or a recurring bill they'll have to keep paying.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Vacaville is leveling up its EV game with new solar-powered charging stations that work off-grid. This means more convenient charging for electric car owners and a greener way to power up.
Official Conduct
Vacaville's Vice Mayor Greg Ritchie is facing some tough questions about his conduct. This could shake up city leadership and how things are run.
Solar Permitting
Tired of waiting for solar permits? Vacaville just launched an instant online system, slashing approval times. Now it's way quicker and easier to get your solar projects up and running.
Wildfire Evacuation
Wildfires are raging near Vacaville, forcing a massive evacuation of over 15,000 residents. If you're in the area, you need to check the latest evacuation map ASAP to see if your home is in danger.
Cannabis Moratorium
Vacaville is hitting pause on new cannabis businesses and outdoor growing. The city council just voted to extend the moratorium, meaning no new dispensaries or backyard weed farms are allowed for now.