Sacramento County officials, state and federal representatives, and Somers West representatives gathered at the Braden Master Planned Community groundbreaking on Sept. 26. Photo courtesy of KJ2 Productions

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Braden Master Planned Community groundbreaking on Sept. 26 marks the start of a new development, bringing together Sacramento County officials, local developers and community leaders.

Formerly referred to as Cordova Hills, Braden officials promise to reshape an unincorporated section of the county located just outside Rancho Cordova along Grant Line Road.  

The Braden Master Planned Community is designed as a “10-minute town,” where essential amenities are easily accessible within a short walk or via electric mobility. This layout allows residents to reach parks, shops and services quickly and conveniently, promoting a more connected community according to Braden officials.

Local developer Somers West has worked on the project for nearly two decades, with approval granted by the county in 2013. At full build-out, Braden will encompass 2,667 acres, providing up to 8,000 residences, 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, and an extensive network of 75 miles of trails and bike lanes. Additionally, the development will include four schools under the Elk Grove Unified School District and six mobility hubs.

Attendees gathered at the groundbreaking event for the new Braden Master Planned Community on Sept. 26 southeast of Rancho Cordova. Photo courtesy of KJ2 Productions

“Braden at its core represents a visionary approach to sustainable and interconnected complete community design,” said Rachel Bardis, chief operating officer of Somers West. “It’s a legacy and one that we hope stands as the model for future communities that prioritize people, the planet and progress.”

The first phase of the project, which features a Town Center, is expected to be completed by 2026. The development is designed to integrate homes, workplaces, and recreational spaces, addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.

“Braden means ‘wide valley,’ a name that’s true to our California Central Valley location. And our belief in wide-open possibilities,” according to the project’s website.  

California State Senator Roger Niello expressed his support for the project at the Sept. 26 groundbreaking.

“This has been a long time coming,” Niello said. “Thanks to the development team’s perseverance, they pushed forward knowing they were building something truly special.”

Improvements to Grant Line Road will enhance access to the community and essential services such as power, water and sewer will be extended from existing Sacramento County providers. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office will serve as the patrolling agency, with fire services contracted from Sacramento Metro Fire.

The Braden development emphasizes sustainability at its core, featuring energy-efficient homes that reduce operating costs and minimize environmental impact, along with green infrastructure.

“Braden will have a profound and lasting impact on the people that live here,” said Dave Defanti, deputy county executive for community services. “This project represents a growth in environmental stewardship and will significantly enhance the quality of life across Sacramento County.”

California State Senator Roger Niello speaks as the emcee at the Braden groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 26. Photo courtesy of KJ2 Productions

Community leaders praised the project's innovative approach. Peter Calthrope, founder of Calthorpe Associates, highlighted its potential to address America’s housing crisis.

“This site is half the solution,” he stated. “We need to create complete communities like this one where everyone has a place.”

Sacramento County Board of supervisors Rich Desmond, added, “This development is a shining example of Sacramento County’s commitment to ensuring that no project gets the green light unless it adds the creation of a cohesive thriving community.”

For more information on the project, visit bradenca.com/.