Solano Economic Update: July 2025

JULY 25' UPDATE

SOLANO EDC NEWS

David Danzeisen MD - Kaiser Permanente

Sanjit Sodhi

FACHE, Chief Operating Officer Solano EDC Board Members

Dear Members of the Solano County Economic Development Corporation, As a proud partner and supporter of Solano County’s dynamic business ecosystem, we want to extend our sincere appreciation for your continued commitment to building a strong, resilient, and inclusive economy in our region.

Solano County is home to a diverse and thriving range of industries—from advanced manufacturing and logistics to biotechnology, agriculture, healthcare, and defense. Our proximity to major transportation corridors and innovation hubs continues to make this region a magnet for investment and growth.

Under the leadership of Chris Rico, the Solano EDC is taking an innovative and holistic approach to economic development—one that not only champions growth but ensures that prosperity is shared across all communities. This unique vision and energy connect talent, industry, infrastructure, and equity in ways that create opportunity and sustainability for the long term.

SOLANO EDC NEWS

The work you do as business leaders is essential to the health of our local economy. Just as strong economic pillars such as workforce development, housing, transportation, and education drive growth, they are also the foundational social determinants of health. When people have access to quality jobs, safe housing, nutritious food, and reliable transportation, they are healthier—and healthier communities are more productive, more innovative, and more economically vibrant.

At Kaiser Permanente, we recognize that economic development and public health are deeply interconnected. That’s why we are committed to investing in efforts that strengthen both—supporting local workforce training, improving access to affordable housing, advancing health equity, and partnering with organizations like the Solano EDC to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to thrive.

Together, with the EDC’s guidance, we are shaping an economic future that uplifts every corner of Solano County.

Thank you for your leadership, partnership, and belief in the power of inclusive economic progress.

Stay cool, hydrated and enjoy your family this summer!

Sanjit Sodhi, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer Dave Danzeisen, MD Kaiser Permanente Vacaville/Fairfield Solano EDC Board Members

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO ADU

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - BAYREN

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

SOLANO EDC JUNE BREAKFAST CLICK BELOW TO WATCH EVENT

We had a full house at Solano EDC’s June Breakfast, where this quarter’s program, “Tariffs, Headwinds, and Opportunities,” brought together a powerhouse panel of economic leaders. Jeff Bellisario (Bay Area Council Economic Institute), Dr. Rob Eyler (Sonoma State University), Michael Likosky (Results), and Chris Rico (Solano EDC) led a compelling discussion on today’s shifting economic landscape—from inflation and international trade to the strategies Solano County can leverage for sustainable growth. The session concluded with a lively Q&A, sparking meaningful cross-sector dialogue. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us, and to our generous sponsors—Travis Credit Union, Recology, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company—for making impactful conversations like this possible.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO BIZ-GROW

Solano Biz-Grow Revolving Revolving Loan Loan Fund Fund

Success Story Spotlight:

PROVISIONS - VALLEJO, CA

Solano Biz-Grow A SMALL BUSINESS RESILIENCY FUND

We’re proud to highlight an inspiring local success story! In this special feature, our President & CEO Chris Rico, sits down with Nicole Hodge, the passionate owner of Provisions in Downtown Vallejo. Nicole shares how support from the Solano Biz-Grow Revolving Loan Fund allowed her to invest in her dedicated team, expand operations, and strengthen her business after the challenges of the pandemic.

Thanks to this vital funding opportunity, Nicole continues to create a welcoming and vibrant space in the heart of Vallejo—proving that small businesses truly are the backbone of our communities.

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SOLANO EDC NEWS - CITY OF FAIRFIELD

Fairfield Breaks Fairfield Breaks Ground Ground on on $28M First $28M First 55 Recreation Recreation Center Center

Fairfield officially began construction on the $28 million 2030 North Texas Recreation Center. The new hub will include a recreation center, sports fields, playgrounds, and more. First 5 Solano will offer family services on-site. Completion is expected by April 2026 as part of Fairfield’s broader Community Spaces initiative.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

Supervisors award $2.17 million in Community Investment grants Solano County supervisors approved $2.17 million in Community Investment grants supporting mental health, homelessness, youth, and housing. Six organizations received one-time grants, with additional funding directed toward legacy programs and deep programming efforts, including Touro University and homelessness prevention. The funds aim to expand impactful local services across the county.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano County Fairgrounds Reimagined as Year-Round Economic Driver With Solano360 sidelined, the Solano County Fairgrounds is pivoting to a business-focused model—booking major events, upgrading infrastructure, and saving costs. Under new leadership, nearly every weekend in 2025 is filled. The fair remains a community gift, while talks of film studios and conventions hint at an ambitious future.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

$29,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Solano Ag Students by Friends of the Dixon May Fair

Solano’s own Sen. Christopher Cabaldon is moving the needle on affordable housing. With Governor Newsom’s support for Senate Bill 417, a $10 billion housing bond could be headed to the 2026 ballot. While local funding for emergency housing is drying up, Cabaldon is pushing for long-term solutions to California’s housing crisis—reminding us that accountability must be paired with real investment.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO COUNTY

PG&E to PG&E to Ease Ease Solano Solano Electrical Grid Electrical Grid Bottlenecks by Bottlenecks by 2026 2026

PG&E is boosting power capacity in Solano County by 12–13 megawatts at the Vaca-Dixon substation by early 2026. The upgrades aim to support growing demand from EV chargers, Amazon warehouses, and new businesses, addressing past delays in power connections for developments in the region.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano County Nears Full Spend of $87M in ARPA Funds Solano County has obligated nearly all of its $86.95M in American Rescue Plan funds, with $63M spent and $450K repaid from business loans. County staff discussed reallocating remaining funds before the 2026 deadline, focusing on emergency communications and early learning initiatives.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Highway 37 Highway 37 Widening Widening Project Project Gets Boost Gets Boost with with $73M $73M Grant Grant Recommendation Recommendation

A $73 million grant is recommended to fund Phase 2 of the Highway 37 project, easing congestion and mitigating flooding along the vital MarinVallejo corridor. The upgrade includes added lanes, flood protections, and ecological restoration, with construction targeted to begin in 2026 pending final approval by the California Transportation Commission.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Travis Credit Union Awards $40K in Scholarships to Support Local Graduates Travis Credit Union awarded $2,000 scholarships to 20 students across six counties, including eight from Solano County. The $40,000 total supports graduating seniors as they begin college journeys.

TCU has awarded over $637,000 through its Community Impact Scholarship program since launching 21 years ago.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE DAILY REPUBLIC

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO MOBILITY

SOLANO EDC NEWS - SOLANO TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Vallejo Opens Vallejo Opens Long-Awaited Long-Awaited Homeless Navigation Homeless Navigation Center Center

Vallejo celebrated the grand opening of its long-awaited Navigation Center, offering 125 beds and comprehensive support services for people experiencing homelessness. Located at 1937 Broadway, the center was made possible through a decade of collaboration among city leaders, nonprofits, and health partners to address urgent housing and service needs.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE TIMES-HERALD

SOLANO EDC NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS

ANDREAS BOHRER LEGAL CHIEF LONZA

Lonza has promoted Andreas Bohrer to Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer, effective July 1. Based at the company’s Vacaville site, Bohrer will join the executive committee and oversee legal, ethics, and compliance functions, expanding his leadership in one of Solano County’s key biomanufacturing hubs.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano Land Solano Land Trust Trust Expands Presence Expands Presence with with New Vacaville New Vacaville Office Office

The Solano Land Trust celebrated the opening of its new downtown Vacaville office at 198 Dobbins St. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The move strengthens their community presence and supports land preservation efforts, education programs, and workforce flexibility through hybrid work and outreach across Solano County.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE REPORTER

SOLANO EDC NEWS

SOLANO EDC NEWS

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SOLANO EDC NEWS

Register for this free webinar to learn how to grow your business through California’s multimillion-dollar contracting clearinghouse.

Friday, July 18, 2025 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This event will help you certify in California’s Supplier Diversity or Small Business programs and amplify your business opportunities throughout the state.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SOLANO EDC NEWS

Solano EDC is proud to support our f riends at Solano Land Trust for their 4th Annual Country Night at Rush Ranch—an evening of music, food, community, and conservation.

Enjoy live performances f rom Myriah Monet & The Little Fridays and Tom Drinnon, shop f rom local vendors, enjoy food trucks and drinks, and dance under the open Solano County sky—all in support of protecting local open space and working lands.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

SOLANO EDC NEWS - EVENTS

JULY EVENTS SOLANO COUNTY Click on city logos for more information

BENICIA DIXON FAIRFIELD

RIO VISTA SUISUN CITY VACAVILLE VALLEJO

Thank you Solano EDC Major Investors! $25,000 INVESTORS

$15,000 INVESTOR

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