Lincoln Educational Services Launches PLACE Campaign to Transform Public Land for Urban Resilience

Transforming Public Land: The PLACE Campaign's Vision for Urban Resilience

In a significant development for urban policy, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy announces the launch of the PLACE Campaign, a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking the potential of public land to address urgent urban and socio-economic challenges in the United States. Public land plays a crucial role in the ongoing housing affordability crisis and various environmental issues affecting communities nationwide. George W. McCarthy, the president and CEO of the Lincoln Institute, highlights that empowering local governments and civic partners is essential to overcoming procedural and legal barriers that hinder the effective utilization of public land for critical purposes such as affordable housing and conservation.

The PLACE Campaign builds upon earlier efforts by leveraging insights derived from a comprehensive national parcel-level analysis conducted by the Center for Geospatial Solutions (CGS). This analysis uncovers over 276,000 acres of buildable government-owned land located in transit-accessible urban areas, presenting an opportunity to potentially add around 6.9 million homes to the nation’s housing stock. Crucially, while federal land constitutes a mere 5,200 acres of the identified parcels, state and local governments control more than 98 percent, emphasizing their vital role in transforming public land into valuable community assets. This shift in perspective underscores the importance of local governance in addressing housing shortages and enhancing urban resilience.

The PLACE Campaign recognizes that not all government-owned land is suitable for housing development; however, these parcels can still provide significant public benefits. Initiatives such as green infrastructure and urban forestry can leverage unsuitable land to tackle social and environmental challenges, contributing to broader community health and well-being. To facilitate this transformation, the Lincoln Institute will implement a 24-week program through Lincoln Vibrant Communities at Claremont Lincoln University, equipping local leaders and city teams with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of public land utilization effectively. This initiative reflects the Lincoln Institute's commitment to fostering sustainable urban development and resilience, ultimately promoting the common good through the strategic use of public resources.

In addition to the PLACE Campaign, the Lincoln Institute continues to focus on empowering communities through education and innovative policy solutions. By collaborating with civic leaders and stakeholders, the institute aims to pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable urban landscape. This initiative aligns with broader trends in urban policy that recognize the need for collaborative efforts to create resilient communities capable of addressing contemporary challenges.

The PLACE Campaign marks a pivotal moment for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and the future of urban development in America, as it strives to unlock the potential of public land for the benefit of all citizens.