Equitable Public Land Disposition Policy

Background:

On Tuesday March 19th, Richmond City Council adopted Resolution No. 19-24 establishing the Equitable Public Land Disposition Policy. This first of its kind policy outlines the goals for developing affordable housing on city-owned land and criteria to guide the process to select and then lease or sell parcels of surplus city-owned land. The City of Richmond will prioritize development proposals that maximize affordability and create permanently affordable housing through a community land trust development model.

The goals of the policy are to 1) Maximize public good on public land 2) Preserve housing affordability for longtime Richmond residents 3) Ensure generational housing security through permanent affordability, utilizing 99-year ground leases, and/or innovative housing models such as community land trusts 4) Proactively prevent gentrification and the displacement of Richmond residents.

The transformative journey toward equitable housing in Richmond has been significantly propelled by partnerships and community outreach facilitated through the Partnership for the Bay’s Future’s (PBF) Policy Grant. Collaboration among a wide array of stakeholders who were part of the Policy Grant team has been instrumental in drafting the proposed Equitable Public Land Disposition Policy. The Policy Grant team’s emphasis on community engagement has been pivotal, enabling a comprehensive outreach effort that not only gathered valuable insights from Richmond residents but also ensured their active involvement in shaping the policy. 

The City of Richmond’s Equitable Public Land Disposition Policy outlines the goals for developing affordable housing on city-owned land and criteria to guide the process to select and then lease or sell parcels of surplus city-owned land to prioritize the creation of affordable housing, with a strong preference for development proposals that maximize affordability and create permanent affordability through a community land trust development model. The policy framework includes policy goals, a summary of the policy purpose, key definitions, and key policy parameters.

●    The City of Richmond’s Equitable Public Land Disposition Policy Framework

●    Resolution No. 19-24

●    Forthcoming: Map of City-Owned Land and Designated Surplus and Exempt Surplus Land

Next Steps:

The City of Richmond will publish a Request for Proposals (RFP) for select surplus city owned land in 2025. Stay tuned for more information about forthcoming RFPs.  

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This effort is required to comply with California State Law called the Surplus Land Act.

The Surplus Land Act – updated by AB1486 in 2020 – requires that unused public land be prioritized for affordable housing while reducing cost barriers to housing development. The bill defines “surplus” as land owned by any local government agency that is not necessary for the agency’s use. The government agency must then make land available for affordable housing before selling or leasing the land for another purpose.