Under his leadership, a former state‑property in Riverside will be converted to provide housing for seniors and families.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that a four‑acre site in Riverside—formerly operated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)—will be redeveloped into a 209‑unit affordable housing community.
The project, located at 2524 and 2560 Mulberry Street in Riverside, is the latest in the state’s effort to convert underutilized public land into long‑term affordable housing.
Phase I, already under way, will deliver 59 units for low‑income seniors. Phase II will add 150 family units with one‑ to three‑bedroom layouts, along with amenities like a community room, computer lab, fitness center and playground.
This initiative stems from Executive Order N‑06‑19, issued by Newsom in 2019, which directed the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Department of General Services (DGS) to identify state‑owned land suitable for affordable housing.
Funding comes from a combination of resources: roughly $44.8 million from the state, about $4.5 million in local funds, $2 million from private sources, plus 37 project‑based Section 8 vouchers.
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) expedited environmental review—completing the cleanup review in less than six months—to accelerate construction without compromising public‑health protections.
By transforming this former CAL FIRE site into an affordable housing community, the state seeks to address housing instability for seniors and families in the Inland Empire while making efficient use of public assets.
