Long Beach Advances Affordable Housing Project

The city is negotiating a 40-unit apartment plan for a vacant lot on South Street in North Long Beach.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Commercial

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a conceptual multi-unit apartment structure, representing new affordable housing development in a suburban setting. — Long Beach officials are extending negotiations for a 40-unit affordable housing project proposed by Jamboree Housing Corporation 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?

Long Beach officials are considering an extension for negotiations regarding a potential affordable housing complex at 620 South St. and 5705-5723 Lime Ave. The proposed project by Jamboree Housing Corporation would bring 40 affordable units to the 29,375-square-foot city-owned lot.

Why it matters

The development of this North Long Beach property aims to replace ongoing city maintenance and security costs with new revenue and much-needed housing stock. This process follows the city’s recent efforts to utilize the Surplus Land Act to address local housing availability.

The proposal for the 29,375-square-foot lot includes 40 units for households earning between 30 percent and 80 percent of the area median income. The city originally declared the site surplus in June 2024.

The players

Long Beach City Council

The local governing body responsible for municipal land-use decisions and fiscal policy.

Jamboree Housing Corporation

A developer specializing in the creation and management of affordable housing communities.

The LAB Inc.

A private development firm that previously held ownership of the property in 2017.

The details

The potential redevelopment involves converting the vacant site into a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The developer was chosen through a competitive process after the city issued a notice of availability for the surplus land. Future progress requires the City Council to formally approve a development agreement following the current extension of the negotiating phase.

December 2017: The property was sold to The LAB Inc.
June 2024: The City Council declared the property surplus.
September 2024: The city issued a notice of availability for the site.
November 2025: The City Council authorized the initial negotiating agreement.
October 20, 2026: The City Council meets to consider extending negotiations.

The Home Front

This project reflects a broader trend of municipalities utilizing the Surplus Land Act to convert vacant public assets into residential housing. Converting these dormant sites helps local governments reduce maintenance costs while addressing regional affordable housing needs.

Residents in North Long Beach can monitor upcoming city meetings for updates on the final development agreement. This project will eventually provide a new housing option for local households qualifying for income-restricted units.

The takeaway

The city is working to transform vacant land into a resource for low-to-moderate-income families. Residents should keep an eye on official City Council agendas for future votes regarding the final construction plans.