planted throughout San Leandro, the project’s educational component is equally significant. “The goal was to inspire people to think about their own spaces—where they could plant trees and how they could contribute individually to climate efforts,” the mayor notes. The initiative also highlights San Leandro’s broader focus on environmental resilience, which includes reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable urban growth. EXPANDING HOUSING FOR ALL INCOME LEVELS As housing affordability becomes a central focus in California, San Leandro is tackling the challenge with various residential projects aimed at diverse income levels. Mayor González differentiates between entitling housing projects and actually getting them built. “We have several projects close to downtown and Bayfair that are entitled, but we’re pushing to move beyond that—to get these developments under construction,” he says. The city is targeting housing solutions that balance density with accessibility. “We’re interested in providing starter homes, whether it’s compact townhomes or condominiums,” Mayor González explains, noting that this approach helps curb suburban sprawl while offering more people a chance at homeownership. The city is especially focused on building housing close to public transportation, with BART stations and easy freeway access, making these projects attractive to future homeowners and 216 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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