California Forever Names Jim Wunderman as Head of Public Affairs
BREAKING NEWS: California Forever has just announced the appointment of Jim Wunderman, the former CEO of the Bay Area Council, as its new Head of Public Affairs. This strategic move aims to bolster growth and innovation within the rapidly evolving Northern California Megaregion, which boasts a staggering $1.5 trillion in economic value.
Wunderman, who has spent over two decades advocating for economic opportunities in the Bay Area, expressed his excitement about this new role, emphasizing the urgent need for Solano County to emerge as a pivotal player between the Bay Area and Sacramento. “Solano County is too strategically important to be kept remote for open space and low-value agriculture,” Wunderman stated. His vision is clear: transform Solano into a thriving hub of opportunity.
The Northern California Megaregion, home to approximately 12 million residents, has been described by California Forever as “one of the most influential places in the world.” Wunderman highlighted the historical neglect of Solano County, asserting, “It’s time to change that.” He aims to bridge gaps between regions and foster growth that benefits all residents.
In his previous role, Wunderman championed the idea that the Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley must collaborate to enhance their global competitiveness. His leadership at the Bay Area Council for 21 years has been marked by a commitment to regional planning and development.
Wunderman’s new position at California Forever comes at a crucial time as the region grapples with the balance between growth and preservation. He criticized the current tendency to prioritize open spaces, stating, “I don’t think it’s fair for a person to ascribe their values and say ‘I have a home over here, but you can’t have one over there.’” His focus will be on creating opportunities that allow everyone to benefit from the region’s abundant resources.
Additionally, Wunderman is particularly keen on revitalizing shipbuilding in the region, lamenting that ferries are currently being manufactured in Washington State. “We should be building them here,” he asserted, highlighting the potential for local job creation.
As California faces a pressing need for new cities to drive economic growth, Wunderman believes California Forever can serve as a model for similar initiatives across the state. “This project really epitomizes what the Bay Area Council is about and the turn we have to take as a society,” he emphasized.
Looking forward, Wunderman advocates for regional political leadership to prioritize the creation of opportunities for the younger generation. He believes Solano County stands at a crossroads: it can either remain on the fringes of economic development or seize the opportunity to become a central hub for the megaregion.
This announcement marks a significant development for California Forever and the future of regional planning in Northern California. As Wunderman steps into this pivotal role, the focus will be on balancing preservation with innovative growth strategies that can redefine the landscape of the area.
Stay tuned for more updates as California Forever and Jim Wunderman embark on this ambitious journey to reshape the future of Solano County and the Northern California Megaregion.
