AUGUST 26' UPDATE
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS' LETTER
CHRIS RICO President & CEO Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC, Fun fact - In addition to the seven cities in Solano County, Winters is a member of the Solano EDC. As you’re crossing the bridge entering Winters from the south, half of that bridge is actually in Solano County, as are all of the farms and businesses to the south towards Vacaville. Much of their economic activity is directed towards Solano as well. Winters is a small town that does a great many things right. They have leaned into being a staycation destination and use their charming downtown as an economic engine. They frequently close off downtown streets on weekends to create a safe, walkable environment that attracts people from around the region. Cyclists flock to Winters on the weekends to Steady Eddy’s Coffee House and Roastery. Buckhorn Grill and Hooby’s Brewing are regional draws. Park Winters is an award winning wedding destination that works in tandem with the Hotel Winters. Not content to rest on their laurels, the Winters Chamber and the Downtown Business Association have joined forces and have been working on an implementation plan for Economic Development. Hotel Winters was successful in attracting CALED’s Rural Exchange which I attended a few weeks ago. Given the rural nature of much of Solano and how much it drives
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CHRIS' LETTER
our economy, I try to attend this great event every year. Winter’s City Manager, Jeremy Craig, welcomed folks from across the state and talked about what Winters does well, and spoke to their greater aspirations. He then joined a group of civic leaders to dig into how they have created a vibe that draws people to their community. CALED does a great job at producing these opportunities for knowledge sharing, and this was no exception. Hotel Winters did a great job too. Wishing you continued health and prosperity, Stay cool! Chris Rico President/CEO
SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
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SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY
Solano County Solano County Agriculture Agriculture Reaches Record Reaches Record $476 $476 Million Million in in 2025 as 2025 as Almonds Almonds Top Top $100 $100 Million Million
Solano County’s agricultural production reached a record $476.2 million in 2025, up 9% from the previous year. Almonds surpassed $100 million in value for the first time, while cattle set a new livestock record. Despite declines in some crops, strong commodity prices and production drove the county’s highest agricultural output ever. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY
CLICK TO READ THE FULL REPORT ON OUR SOLANO EDC AGRICULTURE WEBPAGE
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY
Solano County Solano County Seeks Seeks Se eks $93 $93 Million Million in Federal in Federal Funding Funding for for I-80/ I-80/ I-680/Highway 12 I-680/Highway 12 Interchange Interchange Project Project
Solano County has requested $93.13 million in federal funding for the next phase of the Interstate 80/I-680/Highway 12 Interchange Project. The improvements aim to reduce freight congestion, enhance safety, and improve regional transportation as part of the multi-phase, $750 million infrastructure project. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF FAIRFIELD
Fairfield Awards $9.34 Million Contract Contract to Restore Storm-Damaged Lopes Road The Fairfield City Council approved a $9.34 million contract with Teichert Construction to repair storm damage on Lopes Road. The project includes slope stabilization, water line replacements, road reconstruction and safety improvements, funded through federal, state and local sources. Construction planning for the I-80/I-680/Highway 12 interchange project also received an update. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC
SOLANO EDC NEWS
Fairfield-Suisun Sewer Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District District Earns Mul Earns Multiple Multiple tiple Industry Industry Awards for Awards for Excellence Excellence
The Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District received three industry awards recognizing regulatory compliance, public outreach and workplace safety. The district was honored for more than 12 years of perfect permit compliance, educational partnerships with local students and its commitment to employee safety. Two staff members also earned individual statewide professional awards. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VALLEJO
VCUSD Earns Two National Awards for for Strategic Communications Excellence Vallejo City Unified School District received two national honors from the National School Public Relations Association for its strategic communications efforts. The district earned an Award of Excellence for its “Think VCUSD First” social media campaign and an Award of Merit for its redesigned website, recognizing its focus on transparency, storytelling, and community engagement. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER
SOLANO EDC NEWS
Six Students Six Students Awarded Awarded $150,000 $150,000 in Momhi in Momhi Scholarships Scholarships Through Touro Through Touro Partnership Partnership
Touro University California awarded six students a combined $150,000 in Momhi Scholarships through its partnership with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The scholarships support students pursuing healthcare careers who have demonstrated academic excellence, community service and a commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved communities. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY
Solano County Receives More Solano Than $4 Million in State Homelessness Funding Solano County and the Vallejo-Solano Continuum of Care will receive $4.07 million through California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. The funding will support housing and homeless services across the county, continuing state investments aimed at reducing homelessness despite a slight decrease from the previous funding cycle. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Bay Area’s Bay Area’s First First Diverging Diverging Diamond Interchange Diamond Interchange Opens Opens O pens in in Vallejo Vallejo
The Solano Transportation Authority, Caltrans and local partners celebrated the opening of the Bay Area’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange at State Route 37 and Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo. The project improves traffic flow, safety and multimodal access while supporting future regional transportation and economic development initiatives, including the Resilient SR 37 Project. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
SOLANO EDC NEWS
Grant Program Opens for Grant Solano Businesses Impacted by Major Industry Closures The Solano Workforce Development Board has launched a new round of Workforce Stability Grants for businesses affected by the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Valero Refinery and Mare Island Dry Dock closures. Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $25,000 through Aug. 23 to support recovery, workforce retention and business stabilization. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC
SOLANO EDC NEWS - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE
Travis AFB Travis AFB Launches Launches Launch es First First Term Officer Term Officer Course Course to to Develop New Develop New Leaders Leaders
Travis Air Force Base launched its inaugural First Term Officer Course to help newly commissioned officers transition into operational leadership roles. The three-day program provides leadership training, mentorship, and practical resources to prepare company grade officers for mission readiness while strengthening long-term leadership development across the installation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
SOLANO EDC NEWS -SOLANO COUNTY
Solano County Property Tax Roll Surpasses $80.5 Billion for 15th Straight Year of Growth Solano County’s taxable property assessment roll reached a record $80.59 billion for fiscal year 2026-27, marking its 15th consecutive year of growth. The 3.38% increase strengthens funding for schools, public safety, infrastructure and other local services, driven by continued residential, commercial and property investment across the county. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE THE REPORTER
SOLANO EDC NEWS - TOURO UNIVERSITY
Touro University Touro California Earns EightYear Accreditation Renewal Through 2034 Touro University California has received an eight-year accreditation reaffirmation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission, extending its accreditation through 2034. The renewal recognizes the university’s academic quality, financial stability, student-centered approach and institutional effectiveness, positioning the Mare Island campus for continued growth and expansion. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
SOLANO EDC NEWS
Lonza Reports Lonza Reports Strong Strong First-Half First-Half 2026 Results, 2026 Results, Advances Advances Vacaville Growth Vacaville Growth Strategy Strategy
Swiss biomanufacturer Lonza reported strong first-half 2026 results, with CHF 3.4 billion in sales and a 27% increase in core EBITDA. The company highlighted progress on strategic growth projects, including CDMO readiness at its Vacaville site, while reaffirming its full-year outlook and raising its profitability expectations. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER
SOLANO EDC NEWS
Strong CalPERS Investment Returns Expected to Ease Pension Costs for Solano Agencies CalPERS posted a 14.8% investment return for the 2025-26 fiscal year, boosting its funded status and reducing long-term pension liabilities. The strong performance is expected to ease future pension cost pressures for Solano County, Fairfield, Vacaville, Vallejo and other public agencies participating in the retirement system. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY
Solano County Solano County Coun ty Awarded Awarded $800,000 $800,000 Grant to Grant to Improve Improve Access Access to to Agricultural Lands Agricultural Lands
Solano County has secured an $800,000 grant to improve public access to agricultural areas through Phase 4 of its Farm to Market program. The funding will support bike lanes, sidewalks and crossing upgrades along Suisun Valley Road, enhancing transportation, farm access and regional connectivity while supporting local agriculture. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE THE DAILY REPUBLIC
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF VALLEJO
CONGRATULATIONS
HARRY BLACK NEW
VALLEJO CITY MANAGER The Vallejo City Council voted 6-1 to appoint Harry Black as permanent city manager after serving as interim since May. Black, credited with helping balance the city’s budget and bringing extensive municipal leadership experience, will serve a five-year term focused on fiscal stability, economic development and organizational improvement. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE TIMES-HERALD
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY
CAP Solano JPA Appoints Appoints Stephanie Weaver as Executive Director The Community Action Partnership of Solano Joint Powers Authority has appointed Stephanie Weaver as Executive Director, effective July 20. Weaver brings extensive public-sector leadership experience and will oversee regional homelessness response efforts, grant administration, and partnerships to strengthen housing stability and improve services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout Solano County. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
SOLANO EDC NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS
CRUZ AVILA NEW
SOLANO HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT & CEO The Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Cruz Avila as its first full-time President and CEO, marking a milestone in the organization’s history. Avila brings more than 26 years of executive leadership experience and will focus on expanding member services, strengthening business advocacy, and fostering regional economic growth across Solano County. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY
Solano County County Invests Over $1 Million in Fairfield and Vacaville Affordable Housing Projects The Solano County Board of Supervisors approved more than $1 million in support for two affordable housing developments. Funding includes a loan and fee deferral for Fairfield’s 67-unit Tabor Commons project and a $200,000 grant for Habitat for Humanity’s 10-home Harmony Village development in Vacaville, expanding affordable housing options. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC
SOLANO EDC NEWS
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SUISUN CITY
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF FAIRFIELD
SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF FAIRFIELD
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY
SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN
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SOLANO EDC NEWS - EVENTS
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