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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.