The bill stresses the vital importance of housing in California and acknowledges the ongoing shortage of available land for low- and moderate-income families. By making surplus land available prior to its disposition for affordable housing development, SB 273 aligns with broader goals to facilitate housing solutions. It also underscores the need for recreational spaces, recognizing a deficiency in the current provision. The sale or lease of this land at less than fair market value could enhance access to affordable housing initiatives, particularly for low-income households.
Summary
Senate Bill 273, introduced by Senator Grayson, aims to amend Section 54220 of the Government Code concerning surplus government land. The bill reaffirms existing declarations that surplus government land should be made available for affordable housing, especially near transit stations, as well as for parks and recreational or open-space purposes. This measure highlights the state's priority on addressing its urgent housing needs and emphasizes the significance of providing a suitable living environment for every Californian.
Contention
While SB 273 primarily makes nonsubstantive changes to existing law, it may still elicit discussions regarding land use policies and their impact on local governance. There may be concerns from communities about how these changes could affect their control over land use decisions and the prioritization of public needs, such as open spaces versus housing. Advocacy groups may also voice opinions on the adequacy of measures taken to ensure that affordable housing is genuinely accessible and sustainable as part of broader land development initiatives.