Civil Municipal - May 2024

David Zellers, Jr. , the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Fairfield, is captivated by the city’s unique charm and potential. With a tenure of over half a year, Zellers offers an insightful perspective on what makes Fairfield a standout locale in the North Bay area. “Fairfield is a unique place,” Zellers begins, his enthusiasm for the city obvious. He outlines the city’s significant advantages, from its considerable size to its varied neighborhoods, each with character and appeal. Zellers is drawn to Fairfield’s “special assets,” a term he uses to encapsulate the city’s myriad benefits. Zellers notes that Fairfield’s prime asset is its prime location. The city is strategically situated with exceptional access to major interstate systems— Interstate 80, Interstate 680, and California Highway 12. This network of highways, complemented by AMTRAK Capital Corridor service, ensures the seamless movement of people and industry, a critical factor in Fairfield’s economic vitality and residents’ quality of life. But Fairfield’s allure extends beyond its logistical advantages. “What’s unique about Fairfield,” Zellers explains,“is that it offers different kinds of life within the city limits.” Fairfield caters to a broad spectrum of lifestyles and preferences, from diverse housing options and shopping venues to recreational opportunities both within and surrounding the city. According to Zellers, this variety demonstrates Fairfield’s multifaceted nature, making it a place where location plays a central role but is just one among many of the city’s great attributes. REVITALIZING FAIRFIELD’S HEART In the ongoing narrative of Fairfield’s transformation, a focal point of discussion centers on the ambitious endeavors to revitalize its downtown core and adjacent commercial corridors. This strategic area, affectionately termed the “Heart of Fairfield,” is poised for a renaissance that promises to blend tradition with innovation, enhancing the city’s appeal as a destination for businesses and residents. “We have a couple of things that we’re excited about,”Zellers announces enthusiastically, outlining 37 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 FAIRF IELD, CA