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Gov. Gavin Newsom announced an expansion of California’s program to transform underutilized state property into affordable housing through a new web portal designed to streamline the development process.
The revamped Excess Sites Program aims to accelerate affordable housing construction by simultaneously releasing all state-owned land identified as suitable for development and simplifying the bidding process for developers.
“California is doing everything we can to give all Californians access to affordable housing as quickly as possible,” Newsom said. “Today we continue to advance our strategy of transforming underutilized state properties into thriving affordable living communities for Californians.”
According to state officials, the initiative – jointly managed by the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) – is the first nationwide to release all state land identified as appropriate for affordable housing development at once.
Since Newsom’s 2019 executive order directing state agencies to identify excess state property for housing development, California has assembled a pipeline of nearly 4,300 housing units across 32 projects in various development stages. Officials estimate the newly released sites are expected to accommodate at least 2,000 additional homes.
The program improvements enable developers to review all available properties on a State Excess Sites map simultaneously and submit proposals on a rolling basis until an acceptable submission is received for each site.
“We’re harnessing technology and innovation to help accelerate the rate of affordable housing construction in the Golden State,” said Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong. “We look forward to the proposals from creative and resourceful developers whose efforts will give more Californians a place to call home.”
The initiative addresses California’s longstanding housing crisis by repurposing state-owned land, particularly in high-resource areas that could connect lower-income residents with increased opportunities.
“California is committed to continuing to invest in programs that encourage infill development, transforming existing buildings into homes for future generations of Californians,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “The Excess Sites program is a unique tool that allows us to re-envision underutilized state land to build affordable and healthier communities.”
DGS Director Ana M. Lasso emphasized the streamlined processes will help ensure valuable resources are used effectively for community development.
HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez said, “The Governor’s vision to develop state land for affordable housing—particularly in high-resource areas connecting low-income Californians to heightened opportunity—continues to strengthen communities. HCD and DGS will continue to work in partnership to add efficiencies like those announced today and build on the program’s successes for the benefit of all Californians.”
The state has already completed several projects under the program, including a 58-unit community in Sacramento that opened in April 2023. That development combines housing with commercial space for a job training center in partnership with the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency.
In Fresno County, the Guardian Village development created a 48-unit project on the former Reedley Armory property.
Sugar Pine Village in South Lake Tahoe, one of the program’s largest projects, opened 68 units to residents in late 2024. State officials described it as the largest affordable housing project in South Lake Tahoe’s history, and it will eventually grow to include 248 units.
The Excess Sites Program originated from Newsom’s 2019 executive order that directed state agencies to address California’s housing shortage by identifying and prioritizing excess state-owned properties suitable for affordable housing development.
California faces one of the nation’s most severe housing crises, with housing costs consistently ranking among the highest in the country. The shortage of affordable housing has contributed to the state’s homelessness crisis and placed financial strain on middle and lower-income residents.
By repurposing underutilized state land, California aims to increase the housing supply without acquiring new property, potentially saving costs while addressing critical housing needs. The approach targets infill development, aligning with the state’s environmental goals by promoting housing in already developed areas rather than expanding into undeveloped land.
Developers interested in participating can access the State Excess Sites map and submission process through the program’s web portal. The state is also offering informational webinars through HCD and DGS to guide potential applicants through the new system.
The program represents California’s broader strategy for meeting ambitious housing production goals while ensuring new development includes affordable options for residents of all income levels.
State officials did not provide specific timelines for when the newly released sites might be developed, as the process depends on developer proposals and various approval stages.
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