November 2, 2026

Market reports tell you what happened last quarter. Planning decisions tell you what a property could be worth in five years. Here are four we're keeping an eye on.

1. Downtown Dova, Rancho Cordova

On October 26, the Rancho Cordova City Council voted 4-1 to approve the design of a 7,500-seat arena and a land sale to the developer. The bigger vote is the financial participation agreement, which covers tax sharing and fee relief and was scheduled for the council on November 2. City staff estimate the public assistance could total up to $185 million over 35 years, and the land sale can't close unless that agreement is signed. If the project moves forward, nearby restaurant, hotel and service retail sites near Kilgore Road and Trade Center Drive get more interesting. Until there's financing and a construction start, we'd treat that demand as possible, not certain.

2. North Watt Avenue Specific Plan, North Highlands

Sacramento County is working on a plan covering about 705 acres along four miles of Watt Avenue, from I-80 up to Antelope Road. The goal is to remove the regulatory hurdles that have kept the corridor from redeveloping, allow more projects to be built by right, and identify the sewer, drainage and road improvements needed. The plan doesn't require owners to do anything. But if you own an older center, excess parking or industrial land on that corridor, it's worth understanding what you could build under the new rules before your neighbors do.

3. Suncast Lane, El Dorado Hills

In October, the El Dorado County Planning Commission reportedly voted 4-1 to deny a 260,503 SF, 1,194-unit self-storage project on R&D-zoned business park land, even though staff recommended approval. The concern was keeping business park land for uses that create jobs. The lesson for owners and buyers: a use that pencils on paper isn't worth anything until it's approved. Don't pay for entitlements that don't exist yet.

4. Alchemy Surf Resort, Placer One

Placer County's Planning Commission approved a surf resort with a five-acre lagoon, a 100-room hotel and a 28,000 SF surf center, targeting a spring 2027 groundbreaking. Combined with the growth already planned at Placer One, it's another reason restaurants, fitness, medical and service businesses will be looking at west Placer over the next few years.

If you own property near any of these and want to understand how they could affect your value or your options, give us a call.