A recently published mapping project is the first step toward California leveraging some of it surplus land for the purposes of developing affordable housing.
California's Department of General Services (DGS) and Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) have created a map of surplus state-owned properties with the potential for development as affordable housing development.
The map is the result of an executive order by California Governor Gavin Newsom, issued in January 2019, ordering the creation of the map.
"State properties that were under-utilized or excess to need were identified and then screened to determine which sites would be potentially suitable for affordable housing development," according to a press release announcing the new map.
"The resulting GIS-enabled map is searchable, fully interactive, showing each site identified in the inventory, with a 'heat map' overlay indicating where housing is most needed in the state."
The press release also promises that DGC and HCD will begin in September 2019 to issue requests for proposals for development of some of the sites.
California Governor's Budget Supports Infill Development
Governor Newsom's new budget proposes incentives for developers to build housing in existing urban areas away from fire-prone zones to reduce fire risk and add to the state's insufficient housing stock.
Sports Stadiums as a Battleground for Affordable Housing
Thanks to new enforcement powers, California's Department of Housing and Community Development can now cite cities for failing to meet affordable housing requirements in stadium redevelopment projects.
State Audit Faults California's Affordable Housing Development Processes
The California State Auditor's office is proposing an overhaul of the state's approach to affordable housing development, citing the cost burdens of the housing market as proof of the necessity for change.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service