Developers Invited to Submit Qualifications on Largest Site Offered Yet for State Housing Development

SACRAMENTO—The California Department of General Services (DGS), the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced today they are releasing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on a portion of San Joaquin County Fairgrounds property, which at approximately 110 acres, is the largest site that will be offered for development as housing under Executive Order N-06-19.

The effort is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s determination to spur housing development under the Excess Land for Affordable Housing Executive Order N-06-19. Under the order, the departments are identifying and prioritizing state-owned properties for sustainable, innovative and cost-effective housing projects.

The proposed master plan development will be the first of its kind to utilize a qualifications-based selection process. This process will enable a selected developer to take a flexible, tailored approach to engage closely with the local community, civic leaders, and stakeholders to create the best possible project for the city of Stockton and the Fairgrounds.

“The state’s mixed-use housing development RFQ for the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds land represents a positive opportunity for equitable housing in Stockton,” said Stockton Mayor Kevin J. Lincoln II. “The need for affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing in Stockton has never been greater. This opportunity is an investment that assists the city in meeting our housing needs for years to come.”

The ±110-acre development is located on a portion of the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds at 1658 S. Airport Way in Stockton. The types of housing and respective income levels will be determined through a community-based process. The 2^nd District Agricultural Association and the California Department of Food and Agriculture will retain the balance of the fairground property for ongoing fair operations.

“California fairgrounds are an important state asset serving communities throughout the state,” said CDFA secretary Karen Ross. “The large acreage of this property is an ideal location for a multi-benefit project to co-exist with the annual fair and other community activities, while supporting the Governor’s goal for much needed housing.”

The RFQ prioritizes community partnership and collaboration, racial equity, sustainability, and contextual architectural design that places area needs and neighborhood connectivity at the forefront.

“The administration looks forward to receiving proposals for innovative, sustainable and affordable housing for the state-owned site in the city of Stockton, where we have a shortfall of more than 24,000 affordable and available rental homes,” HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez said. “Despite housing costs being slightly lower in the San Joaquin Valley, residents in the region earning the lowest incomes struggle greatly to find quality homes for their families that they can afford, and this is where the state’s excess sites program -- providing land, funding, and an expedited timeline – can help meet the need.”

Monday’s announcement comes as the state moves forward with developing housing in partnership with local governments across California.

“The lack of affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues facing our state, and this latest effort showcases California’s commitment to solving it,” said DGS Director Ana M. Lasso. “This groundbreaking approach to land development speeds the completion of much-needed housing, creates jobs and establishes a blueprint that other states can follow to address a challenge we’re facing across the country.”

Following Governor Newsom’s Executive Order in January 2019, excess state properties were identified in an interactive map released by DGS and screened to determine potential suitability for affordable housing development. Developing entities will receive a long-term ground lease from the state and will build and manage the housing they develop, subject to oversight from the state.

“I applaud the Governor for his innovative approach on excess state properties and for recognizing the need in our community,” said Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton). “Developing affordable housing on the fairgrounds property is the right thing to do at the right time. These homes will mean security, dignity and a significant step towards prosperity for many in our community. On a personal note, I have appreciated my partnership with Secretary Ross over the last several years as we worked toward a use for the fairgrounds that could have a transformative impact for Stockton.”

“We are presented with an excellent opportunity to provide our community with much needed fair and affordable housing,” said Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua. “While the cost of living continues to rise across California, we need to do everything possible to ensure that families are able to find housing that keeps them safe and healthy. The investments we are able to provide for these development projects today will pay dividends for generations to come.”

Developers interested in learning more and potentially submitting proposals for development are invited to review the RFQ, which is available at: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/RESD/Projects/Page-Content/Projects-List-Folder/Executive-Order-N-06-19-Affordable-Housing-Development.

The Department of General Services acts as the business manager for the state of California. DGS helps state government better serve the public by providing services to state agencies including procurement and acquisition solutions, real estate management, leasing and design services, environmentally friendly transportation, and architectural oversight and funding for the construction of safe schools.