CASE STUDY
Putting California’s Underutilized Land Back to Use
Sector
Services
Location
Client
Craig Communications represents the owner of a former power plant who is redeveloping the 1,000+ acres of land into a mixed-used development. To develop the site, the firm had to negotiate cleanup standards and approach with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Challenge
California’s rigid environmental and development regulations threatened the viability of this project. The environmental investigations required for developing the site would disregard 25 years of site condition studies and cause the client to reconduct much of the same work, elongating the project by a decade and delaying desperately needed housing that would address California’s current shortfalls.
Solution
Our Team implemented a strategic campaign built on honesty, persuasive communication and long-standing relationships with regulatory agencies. Craig Communications provided a full suite of services, including developing strong messaging; convening key city, state and federal government leaders; building a grassroots base of support; implementing advocacy strategies; and leading facilitation.
Impact
Our Team were able to reach an agreement that provided a clear path forward with no diminishment of data requirements or cleanup standards. Our facilitation prevented a 10-year project delay and put a crucial piece of underutilized property back to productive reuse faster, allowing for the creation of over 2,000 homes with a variety of housing options, including affordable housing, to help to address California’s housing crisis.
