By @Aaron Avery
On February 23, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released its revised Draft Guidelines for implementation of the Surplus Land Act (SLA). This follows statutory changes made to the SLA through AB 480 (Ting) and SB 747 (Caballero), effective as of January 1, 2024. However, the Draft Guidelines go beyond recent changes to the SLA, making other significant changes that could affect special district services.
The SLA contains a complex series of requirements that public agencies must fulfill when disposing of surplus land, giving preference to uses by affordable housing proponents as specified. CSDA has been a leader in advocating for clarity in the SLA and important protections for local governments, including protections specific to special districts.
It is anticipated that the proposed revisions in the Draft Guidelines will contain problematic provisions. It is further anticipated that CSDA will launch a Take Action Page with additional information and resources for CSDA members, as well as a sample comment letter for special districts to complete and submit to HCD.
The comment period closes on March 25. Comments should be submitted to SLAguidelines@hcd.ca.gov. Please CC Aaron Avery, CSDA Director of State Legislative Affairs, at aarona@csda.net.
HCD will also host a webinar on March 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Registration information can be found here. Special districts are encouraged to attend the webinar. Public comments will be accepted during the webinar.
Additional information may be viewed here: Public Lands for Affordable Housing Development | California Department of Housing and Community Development
Please email aarona@csda.net with any questions about CSDA’s involvement, or to share feedback with CSDA.
Stay tuned for additional information from CSDA.
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