Your guide to Davis Measure V, which asks voters to OK large Village Farms project
Davis has long been a poster child for slow, measured growth, with voters repeatedly demanding a voice in development decisions to preserve the city’s small-town feel. But that identity is at odds with the growth of UC Davis, the city’s main economic engine, and state policies designed to increase housing production.
The city faces a budget shortfall, and the school district’s shrinking enrollment could lead to school closures.
The proposed Village Farms development would include market-rate homes, 360 affordable units and 70 units offering down payment assistance. Plans also call for parks, a preschool and space for a fire station. Developers estimate the project would add more than $1 billion to the city’s tax base, and the school district estimates it could bring about 1,100 additional students.
The scale and location of the development have drawn concern from some residents, who say the project could worsen traffic congestion and may not be affordable for middle-class families. The proposal includes building on a floodplain near an old, unlined dump that could leach toxic chemicals. It would also require rerouting a water channel and moving large amounts of soil that could contain contaminants.
Where is the proposed development?
The Village Farms site is north of East Covell Boulevard, between Pole Line Road and the Cannery neighborhood.
What is the ballot measure asking?
The measure asks whether the city should approve a resolution allowing the Village Farms development. Davis must seek voter approval to rezone agricultural land for urban use under Measure J-R-D, most recently reaffirmed by voters in 2020.
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Who is funding the measure?
The company behind the development, the North Davis Land Trust, has formed a Yes on Measure V Davis campaign committee. It has invested more than $461,000 in the committee to date.
Another committee in support of the measure, the Yolo County Housing Education Coalition Supporting Measure V, was formed at the end of March by the Yolo County Association of Realtors. That committee received $100,000 from the California Association of Realtors Issues Mobilization PAC.
Opposing the measure is the No on Measure V committee, organized by retired microbiologist and medical technologist Eileen Samitz, a former Davis planning commissioner. The committee has raised more than $35,000 from about 50 individual donors.
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Who else is supporting the measure?
Measure V has drawn support from the Davis Joint Unified School District board, which rarely weighs in on city ballot measures, citing the potential to boost enrollment and avoid school closures.
The measure also has the support of the Davis City Council, which voted unanimously to put Village Farms on the ballot in January.
