Fairfield Hosts Annual State of the City Address

Mayor and City Manager Outline Successes, Challenges and Economic Outlook

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The city of Fairfield held its annual State of the City event, drawing civic and business leaders to discuss issues facing the city. Mayor Catherine Moy and City Manager David Gassaway delivered the report, highlighting the city's support for Travis Air Force Base, fiscal challenges, and efforts to address homelessness and economic shifts like the closure of the local Anheuser-Busch brewery. A keynote speaker provided a mostly positive economic outlook, though noted concerns around labor shortages and consumer confidence.

Why it matters

The State of the City address is an important annual event that allows Fairfield's leadership to communicate directly with the community about the city's priorities, successes, and challenges. It provides transparency into the city's operations and financial situation, and sets the stage for future initiatives and policy decisions.

The details

During the event, Mayor Moy reaffirmed Fairfield's support for Travis Air Force Base, calling it central to the city's identity and economy. However, she acknowledged ongoing fiscal strain in the city budget, citing a structural deficit. Moy credited city staff for making difficult budget decisions, and highlighted the importance of Measure P, the local sales tax that funds essential services and public safety. The mayor also addressed recent major business closures, including the Anheuser-Busch brewery, and said the city is working to assist impacted workers and attract new investment. Homelessness was another key issue, with Moy emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to find solutions.

  • The State of the City event was held on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Measure P, the local sales tax, was first passed in 2012.

The players

Catherine Moy

The mayor of Fairfield, who delivered the State of the City report and discussed the city's priorities, fiscal challenges, and efforts to address issues like homelessness and business closures.

David Gassaway

The Fairfield City Manager, who also spoke at the State of the City event and highlighted the city's achievements and capital projects.

Sanjay Varsheny

A finance professor at California State University, Sacramento, who provided the keynote address and economic outlook for the Fairfield region.

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What they’re saying

“We remain champions of Travis Air Force Base. The base is not just part of our economy but a big part of who we are as a community.”

— Catherine Moy, Mayor (The Reporter)

“Measure P is the backbone to being able to provide services our community depends on and deserves.”

— Catherine Moy, Mayor (The Reporter)

“These are not just buildings. They are our neighbors and members of our community and other businesses rely on them.”

— Catherine Moy, Mayor (The Reporter)

“Last year was not bad, it was good for the economy and markets in the U.S.”

— Sanjay Varsheny, Finance Professor (The Reporter)

“Corporate profits as a percent of GDP are still strong and robust, and U.S. household balance sheets are in good shape.”

— Sanjay Varsheny, Finance Professor (The Reporter)

What’s next

The city plans to continue its community outreach efforts to gather input on a possible update and increase to Measure P, the local sales tax that funds essential services and public safety.

The takeaway

Fairfield's State of the City address highlighted the city's efforts to navigate economic uncertainty, invest in public safety and infrastructure, and collaborate regionally to address challenges like homelessness. The city's leaders emphasized fiscal discipline, community engagement, and a focus on long-term stability as key priorities for the year ahead.