If you or somebody you know is interested in real estate development or running shelters for formerly homeless people, now is the time to start paying attention to what’s going on in your city and county.

Last week, in his State of the State speech to the legislature, Gov. Newsom announced that he issued an executive order to offer 286 properties to local governments at no cost so that cities and counties can submit housing and shelter proposals for emergency housing.

“As a former mayor I get that localism is determinative and that all levels of government must work together to get Californians off the street and into housing and supportive services,” said Gov. Newsom. “The state is stepping up by making land available to cities and counties willing to meet this moment head-on. I invite local leaders to use this land on what works for their community’s homeless needs so that we can begin to make meaningful progress to help individuals experiencing homelessness.”

The properties include vacant lots, fairgrounds, armories and other state buildings, according to the governor’s office. The goal of the governor’s decision is to require state agencies “to take urgent action to make state properties and facilities available to rapidly increase housing and shelter options.”

The Department of General Services has developed an interactive map with the locations of the properties.

California Black Media Staff

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