Where State-Owned Properties Could Make Way for Affordable Housing in California

A recently published mapping project is the first step toward California leveraging some of it surplus land for the purposes of developing affordable housing.

1 minute read

August 30, 2019, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Surplus State-Owned Land

Statewide Affordable Housing Opportunities Sites / California Department of General Services

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.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in California Department of General Services

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog