Brisbane Baylands Project Critical for Bay Area's 441,176-Unit Housing Target

Brisbane, California – The long-anticipated Brisbane Baylands development, a 660-acre former industrial site, is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the Bay Area's acute housing shortage, with plans for up to 2,200 new residential units. The project's significance is underscored by a recent webinar hosted by The Housing Action Coalition, focusing on the Baylands, regional housing targets, and state housing laws. This development is crucial for the City of Brisbane to meet its state-mandated housing goals.

The Brisbane Baylands, situated south of San Francisco, is a complex brownfield site that previously served as a railyard and municipal landfill. Extensive environmental remediation is required before construction can begin, with current projections indicating a potential start as late as 2028. Despite these challenges, Brisbane voters approved the development in 2018 through Measure JJ, allowing for 1,800 to 2,200 residential units and up to 7 million square feet of commercial space.

California's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) mandates that the Bay Area plan for 441,176 new housing units between 2023 and 2031, a substantial increase from previous cycles. Many Bay Area cities are currently falling short of these ambitious targets. State legislation, such as Senate Bill 423, aims to streamline the approval process for housing projects that align with these regional goals, emphasizing the urgency of developments like the Baylands.

The Housing Action Coalition, a non-profit advocating for increased housing at all income levels across California, actively supports such initiatives. "Brisbane Baylands, Bay Area Housing Targets, State Housing Laws Webinar," announced The Housing Action Coalition on social media, highlighting their engagement in public discourse surrounding these critical issues. The organization champions legislative and project advocacy, as well as public education, to accelerate housing production and address affordability.

The Baylands project is expected to nearly triple Brisbane's current population of approximately 4,800 residents, bringing significant demographic and infrastructural changes. Public hearings for the ongoing environmental analysis are anticipated in early 2026. The successful realization of this development is seen as essential for Brisbane to comply with its housing element commitments and contribute meaningfully to the broader regional housing supply.