Lincoln National's PLACE Campaign Aims to Transform Public Land for Housing and Sustainability

Unlocking Urban Potential: The PLACE Campaign's Vision for Public Land

In a significant move to address pressing urban and economic challenges, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy unveils the PLACE Campaign. Launched on January 13, 2026, the initiative focuses on maximizing the utility of public land to tackle the housing affordability crisis and environmental issues affecting millions of Americans. According to George W. McCarthy, the president and CEO of the Lincoln Institute, the campaign seeks to empower local governments and civic partners to overcome procedural and legal obstacles that hinder the effective use of public land for critical purposes such as affordable housing, conservation, and nature-based solutions.

The PLACE Campaign builds on insights from a comprehensive analysis conducted by the Center for Geospatial Solutions (CGS), which reveals that there are over 276,000 acres of buildable government-owned land located in transit-accessible urban areas. This land has the potential to accommodate approximately 6.9 million homes, a significant contribution to the nation’s housing stock. While federal land represents a mere 5,200 acres of this total, state and local governments hold the majority, controlling over 98 percent of the identified parcels. This distribution emphasizes the pivotal role that local authorities play in transforming public land into valuable community assets, which can significantly alleviate housing shortages while also fostering sustainable urban development.

Beyond housing, the PLACE Campaign recognizes that land unsuitable for residential development can still offer substantial public benefits. Initiatives such as green infrastructure and urban forestry can address social and environmental challenges, enhancing community resilience. To facilitate the effective implementation of these initiatives, the Lincoln Institute plans to provide a 24-week program through Lincoln Vibrant Communities at Claremont Lincoln University. This training aims to equip local leaders and city teams with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of public land utilization, thereby empowering communities to harness these assets for the common good.

In addition to focusing on housing and environmental sustainability, the PLACE Campaign represents a broader commitment by the Lincoln Institute to foster community empowerment. By enabling local governments to better utilize public land, the initiative not only aims to alleviate immediate urban challenges but also seeks to promote long-term sustainable development. The campaign's collaborative approach underscores the importance of partnerships between civic leaders and community members in reimagining urban spaces.

Through initiatives like the PLACE Campaign, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy takes a significant step toward addressing urgent urban issues while promoting resilience and sustainability in communities nationwide. The focus on leveraging public land for diverse community benefits exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban planning that prioritizes both social equity and environmental stewardship.