Tech Bro Wants to Use Federal Land at Alameda Point for 'AI City,' Drafts Sample Executive Order

Tech founder James Ingallinera is advocating for an executive order to create "Frontier Valley," an AI city on 512 acres at Alameda Point, an area currently designated for a VA medical project and nature reserve. The city of Alameda only learned of the proposal through social media, with Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft expressing confusion and concern about the site's environmental vulnerability. Ingallinera argues that the initiative is crucial to prevent China from surpassing the U. S. in AI advancements, likening it to the Manhattan Project.

His plans include housing for 10,000 residents, office space, and recreational areas, yet local officials emphasize the importance of existing VA projects. AI expert Gary Marcus pointed out that the real obstacles to AI development are technological, not regulatory. The proposal has raised alarms about circumventing local jurisdiction and environmental laws, as Ingallinera suggests using an executive order to create a special regulation district. The city remains committed to supporting the VA facility and regional parks, which will benefit veterans and the community. As of now, neither Frontier Valley nor federal agencies have provided further comments on the proposal.