Long Beach Council Weighs Extension for Housing Project

Officials consider extending negotiations with a developer for a North Long Beach property.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Commercial

Isometric editorial illustration showing simplified wooden blocks and landscape shapes representing an urban development site layout. — The Long Beach City Council is evaluating a contract extension for the Jamboree Housing Corporation to develop affordable housing units on South Street. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local government prioritize converting surplus city-owned land into affordable housing projects?

The Long Beach City Council is set to consider extending an exclusive negotiating agreement with Jamboree Housing Corporation for a vacant lot at 620 South St. and 5705-5723 Lime Ave. The proposed project aims to construct 40 affordable housing units on the site.

Why it matters

The development would replace ongoing maintenance and security costs with a new revenue source while addressing local demand for affordable housing. The project is designed to provide units for households earning 30 to 80 percent of the area median income.

The city-owned site spans 29,375 square feet in North Long Beach. Units are reserved for households earning between 30 percent and 80 percent of area median income.

The players

Long Beach City Council

This is the governing body for the city of Long Beach responsible for legislative decisions and land use planning.

Jamboree Housing Corporation

This is a non-profit developer specializing in the creation and management of affordable housing communities.

The details

Jamboree Housing Corporation was selected through a competitive process that drew four responses for the development. The proposal utilizes the Surplus Land Act to redevelop the parcel, which had been previously sold in 2017 before reverting to city ownership.

December 2017: Property was originally sold to The LAB Inc.
June 2024: City Council officially declared the property as surplus land.
September 2024: The city issued a formal notice of availability for the lot.
November 2025: City Council authorized the initial negotiating agreement.
October 20, 2026: Council considers extending the negotiation period.

Culture Shift

The project follows the procedural requirements set by the state's Surplus Land Act for the redevelopment of city-owned land. This reflects a broader trend of municipalities converting underutilized public property into residential housing to meet local demand.

Residents in North Long Beach may see the site transition from an underused vacant lot into a residential community. The project will specifically benefit low- to middle-income families by creating 40 housing units at regulated income tiers.

The takeaway

The city is balancing the need for cost-efficient land management with the goal of expanding local housing options. Future approval of a final development agreement will depend on continued City Council oversight.