federally protected marshes in Northern California, a fact that lends both beauty and complexity to the city’s planning. “It’s an interesting juxtaposition,” Prebula says.“You have this urban development next to a natural gem. We can’t be a San Jose, and we can’t be rural Napa— we’re both. That makes planning harder, but it also makes us special.” Environmental resilience is just as crucial as economic resilience. In recent years, Suisun has revamped citywide lighting and HVAC systems to improve energy efficiency, earning a Climate Action Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The city also partnered with The Nature Conservancy to conduct forward-thinking resiliency planning related to sea level rise, an issue that looms large for any waterfront community. DESIGNING THE NEXT CHAPTER Much of Suisun’s transformation hinges on what happens next, specifically, how the city approaches infill and annexation. Among its most exciting opportunities is a 34-acre plot of land near its transportation hub. “We’re really excited about taking some time with our community and council to envision what can be capitalized in that space,” says Mayor Hernandez.“It’s walkable, it’s centrally located, and it could support housing, attractions, nightlife, or medical services that our city currently lacks.” Housing remains a key pillar of the city’s plan. With recent builds ranging from affordable apartments to luxury units with accessory dwellings, Suisun has proven that “housing for all” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a policy direction. Still, gaps remain. “One area we’re missing is affordable housing for seniors,” Mayor Hernandez adds.“We also need more options for young professionals—people who want to live near transit and nightlife. So, identifying those gaps and prioritizing the right kind of housing is part of our next phase.” 200 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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