Department of General Services Shares New Developer Tool

It’s about to get easier for developers to acquire government buildings and turn them into commercial projects.

On Monday, the state’s property manager revealed a new dashboard created to expedite the state’s efforts to sell excess government properties and get them into developers’ hands faster, the Sacramento Bee reported. The portal is designed to cut down on the time it takes for developers to begin construction on state-owned surplus property, according to the California Department of General Services.

“By modernizing how we engage with developers, California is unlocking new opportunities for job creation and economic growth,” Ana Lasso, director of the Department of General Services, said. “This portal ensures that state land is put to its best use while supporting diverse and emerging developers across the state.”

Through the portal, developers can submit proposals to the Department of General Services, which the agency then evaluates according to the state’s goals for the sites, which “include successful implementation of the plan, financial return to the state and local regional impact,” a department spokesperson told the Bee. Once a plan is approved, the developer would be responsible for building what they proposed if they’re chosen.

The administration of Gov. Gavin Newsom has been working to turn government properties into affordable housing or other commercial properties. When Newsom first took office in 2019, one of his first announcements was a proposal to address California’s need for more affordable housing by converting state property to residences. Last year, Newsom said his administration had 32 projects in “various phases of development” that would eventually result in nearly 4,300 housing units.

Last November, state officials announced six new projects across California where more than 800 new homes will be built on state land. The new portal lets developers peruse the state’s commercial opportunities.

As of Monday, 19 state properties were listed for possible commercial development, according to the Bee. Of the 19, 15 are available for proposal and one is already under agreement. Under the new program, developers will deal with simpler submission requirements and the Department of General Services can review proposals on a rolling basis, permitting projects to advance more quickly.

— Chris Malone Méndez