City reports Village Farms to go to June 2026 ballot; Willow Grove EIR moves through commissions

City staff reported at the Jan. 21 joint meeting that the Davis City Council approved a development agreement for the Village Farms housing project, certified the project’s environmental impact report and called a special election in June 2026 to let voters decide whether the project should proceed.

"The city council approved the development agreement. They also called for a special election in June '26, and they also certified the project's environmental impact report," said Speaker 6 during the update.

Staff also briefed the school trustees and board on the Willow Grove project timeline. The Willow Grove draft EIR closed for public comment on Jan. 2 and is scheduled for consideration by the Open Space & Habitat Commission on Feb. 2, the Social Services Commission on Feb. 23, a Planning Commission public hearing in April and follow-up city council hearings in May.

District representatives thanked city staff for placing measures on the ballot and said stable housing could help bring more families and students into the district. "In order for us to plan adequately as a district, we need to know what the community values are," said Speaker 3.

No formal action on either project was taken by the trustees at this meeting. City staff advised continued community outreach and the multi-step environmental review and hearing schedule ahead of the council’s June ballot decision.

Next steps: Village Farms will proceed toward the June 2026 special election; Willow Grove will continue through the stated commission reviews and public hearings before the council makes any final decision.