Motion (Raman – Blumenfield) relative to initiating a Request for Qualifications to solicit interested organizations to apply to participate in the City’s “Small Lots, Big Impacts” Initiative (SLBI).

This motion initiates a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to select development teams for the "Small Lots, Big Impacts" (SLBI) Initiative. The SLBI program aims to develop 12 underutilized, city-owned small lots (under half an acre) into innovative, high-quality, mixed-income homeownership projects. These projects are intended to demonstrate "gentle density" housing typologies that can blend into existing neighborhoods and offer starter homes affordable to those making 80-150% of Area Median Income (AMI).

Key aspects of the initiative include:

• Land Disposition: The 12 selected small lots will be sold at fair market value to development teams.
• SLBI Fund: Proceeds from land sales will establish a fund to provide purchase assistance (deferred-payment "soft second" loans) to eligible low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers on SLBI sites.
• Recycling of Funds: Buyers will repay the loan and a share of appreciation when they sell, allowing the fund to assist future homebuyers.
• No City Funding: Beyond the land sale strategy, SLBI projects will not receive other City funding.
• Site Locations: The 12 sites are located across 9 council districts, with specific addresses and zoning provided in the motion documents. Notably, some public comments raised concerns about two of these sites being in Very High Fire Severity Zones and the legal requirement to offer lands in the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Zone to the Conservancy first.
• Process: LAHD will evaluate RFQ applications to create a list of qualified developers. Final project proposals and disposition agreements will require City Council approval.