by agriculture,” explains Raffi Boloyan, Community Development Director. “We’re right in between the Bay Area and Sacramento, and for many years, people came here for the quieter, suburban life.”The town’s agricultural roots are visible everywhere, from vast open fields to the close-knit feel of its neighborhoods. But the last few years, especially post-COVID, have spurred new growth. With more people seeking suburban lifestyles, Dixon has seen an influx of new residents. Dixon’s recent growth is largely driven by the 600-acre Homestead project, a major residential development. “It’s been one of our biggest pushes,” says Boloyan, with 1,200 units and commercial, including 180 affordable homes for seniors and families. The Specific Plan was approved in 2005, but delayed, it began in 2019 and is now 70% complete, bringing new residents daily. Two older stalled subdivisions are also nearing completion. Despite this expansion, Dixon maintains its small-town feel, with a strong sense of safety and community.“We’re still very much tied to agriculture,” he adds, highlighting the town’s enduring connection to its rural roots. DOWNTOWN DIXON: SMALL TOWN CHARM, BIG COMMUNITY SPIRIT Dixon’s downtown is a compact, modest area that reflects the town’s character—quaint, communitydriven, and, according to Boloyan, still grappling with how best to balance tradition with the pull toward modernization. “Our downtown is primarily two blocks north, two blocks south, two blocks east, and two blocks west from the center,” says Boloyan, adding that while it may be small, there’s an ongoing effort to encourage more retail and pedestrian activity. “We want to activate it after hours, beyond the usual nine-tofive, by fostering entertainment options,” he explains. Still, as is often the case in tight-knit communities, opinions differ.“We’ve got some people in town who don’t want to see that change—they’re hesitant about introducing nightlife and entertainment downtown,” he admits, pointing to the tension that many towns face as they grow. Dixon’s downtown has seen a revival, largely due to the new “Pardi Plaza,” a city-owned venue at the heart of the town.“It’s really become a venue for local community gatherings,” says Madeline Graf, Dixon’s Economic Development Manager. Hosting events like weekly concerts, farmers markets, and Christmas tree lightings, the plaza has become a popular hub for residents. “It’s right at that main four-corner part of downtown,” notes Boloyan, encouraging foot traffic and boosting local businesses. Even without a formal revitalization plan, the plaza has brought new energy to Dixon’s downtown core. EXPANDING DIXON’S HOUSING MARKET: A BALANCING ACT As Dixon continues to grow, so does the variety of housing products aimed at meeting the changing 71 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 DIXON, CA
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