California Forever has appointed Jim Wunderman, former CEO of the Bay Area Council, as its new Head of Public Affairs. This decision, announced in a recent press release, marks a significant step for the organization as it seeks to enhance its influence in the rapidly evolving Northern California region.
Wunderman, who led the Bay Area Council for over two decades, has a history of advocating for economic growth and innovation in the region. His tenure focused on fostering collaboration among various sectors to ensure that Northern California remains competitive on a global scale. Jan Sramek, Founder and CEO of California Forever, expressed strong support for Wunderman, stating, “Jim has spent his career bringing people together to move California forward.” Sramek emphasized Wunderman’s commitment to revitalizing manufacturing and expanding opportunities in the area.
The Northern California Megaregion, which encompasses approximately 12 million residents and boasts an economic output of $1.5 trillion, is considered one of the most influential areas in the world. California Forever’s release highlighted the need for regions like Solano County to play a more prominent role in this megaregion’s growth narrative.
Historically, Solano County has not shared equally in the economic opportunities that have benefited both the Bay Area and Sacramento. Wunderman pointed out that it is time for Solano County to step up and act as a vital link between these two significant regions. He noted, “Solano County is too strategically important to be kept remote for open space and ‘low value agriculture.’” While acknowledging the importance of preserving open land, Wunderman believes that regional planning should prioritize community needs and development opportunities.
Reflecting on his experiences, Wunderman shared that he was surprised by the underutilization of land in Solano County during a recent visit to the proposed site for the Solano Shipyard. “I was kind of shocked at how nothing was there. Is this a good use? The land is kind of all of ours,” he remarked, indicating his belief in the potential for development.
Over the past fifteen years, Wunderman has been involved in the establishment of new cities across California, focusing on the advantages that greenfield development offers. His enthusiasm for California Forever grew after discussions with the organization’s planning team, including Gabe Metcalf. He is particularly keen on revitalizing shipbuilding in the region, expressing frustration that current ferry production takes place in Washington state rather than locally.
Wunderman’s extensive background in advocating for regional economic growth aligns seamlessly with his new role at California Forever. He sees this project as a pivotal opportunity to address the future needs of the region. “This project really epitomizes what the Bay Area Council is about and the turn we have to take as a society,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to creating opportunities for the younger generation.
In his vision, Solano County has a choice: it can either remain on the outskirts of two major economic hubs or embrace the chance to become a central player in a larger economic framework. “If we can open up Solano County a little bit, it really does create a bridge for this greater megaregion,” Wunderman explained.
As California faces the challenge of balancing preservation with necessary growth, Wunderman advocates for the creation of more new cities to drive economic prosperity. “I love the name California Forever because I think this can be replicated in other parts of the state and I think it needs to be,” he concluded, highlighting his belief in the potential for future development across California.
