California Master-Planned Community to Include 5,600 Homes and University Campus

A 2,200-acre master-planned community called Placer One will be built about 30 miles north of Sacramento and will include more than 5,600 homes, a satellite campus for Sacramento State University, and commercial development. The project is designed as an all-electric community that will combine residential neighborhoods, employment space, parks, and a town center.

County officials said the plan seeks to address housing costs by offering a range of starter homes and larger properties.

The concept originated with a land donation from businessman Eli Broad intended to bring a state university to the area. In 2019, county supervisors approved the project. Phase 1A is under construction and covers 769 single-family lots across seven villages. The next two phases, covering about 1,000 additional units, are in planning.

State plans a satellite campus that could enroll up to 12,000 students. Officials said the campus would reduce commuting needs for local residents. An elementary school, high school, forensic science building, grocery stores, and emergency services are also planned.

Full build-out could take up to 20 years depending on market demand. A separate project led by California Forever in Solano County is also in development and is estimated to cost $215 billion over 40 years.