December 2, 2025
Community Development
DATE: December 2, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Lina Velasco, Director of Community Development
Avery Stark, Planning Manager
Jesus Morales, Housing Manager
Subject:
Legal Services Agreement with Goldfarb & Lipman, LLC
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact on the General Fund associated with this agreement. The services rendered will be
funded by planning applications fees or reimbursement
agreements with applicants or negotiating parties.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Community Development Department is seeking
approval of a legal services agreement (LSA) with
Goldfarb & Lipman, LLC to assist with land use, housing, and real estate matters.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE a legal services agreement with Goldfarb &
Lipman, LLP to assist the Community Development
Department regarding land use, housing, and real estate matters, for a total contract amount not-to-exceed
$250,000, with a term ending June 30, 2028 –
Community Development Department (Lina Velasco,
510-620-6841).
DISCUSSION:
The Community Development Department has been working with Goldfarb & Lipman, LLC, on various affordable housing nexus and financial feasibility studies to inform amendments to the City’s inclusionary housing ordinance. Given the requirements of recent legislation and staffing constraints, the Community Development Department is AGENDA
REPORT
December 2, 2025
seeking City Council approval of a legal services agreement with Goldfarb & Lipman to assist the City with land use, housing, and real estate matters. The tasks may include:
Land Use: Prepare ordinances and resolutions as required by state law or desired by the City; review planning documents such as housing elements; provide advice to City in regard to the processing of development applications, which may include the application of state law and review of staff reports, resolutions, and other documents; general assistance to City staff; and related work as requested by the City.
Housing: Review and draft affordable housing agreements, including developer agreements, resale restriction agreements, regulatory agreements, loan and financing documents and related documents; provide advice regarding compliance with state and federal law and regulations; review and draft updates to City housing policies and ordinances; review and negotiate lender and investor documents; assist with escrow and closing; general assistance to City staff; and related work as requested by the City.
Real Estate: Provide assistance with real property transactions concerning disposition and/or development of City lands, including evaluation and advice regarding deal structure and terms and compliance with the Surplus Lands Act; negotiate and prepare development agreements, disposition and development agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and ground leases; and related services as requested by the City.
CONCLUSION:
Given the complex and evolving regulatory landscape governing land use, housing, and real estate matters, specialized legal expertise is essential to ensure the City’s compliance with state and federal requirements and to protect the City’s interests in development and housing transactions. Goldfarb & Lipman, LLC possesses extensive experience in municipal housing law and has a proven track record of providing high- quality legal support to the City. Engaging the firm through a legal services agreement will allow staff to efficiently address legal and policy matters, advance critical housing initiatives, and maintain the City’s capacity to meet statutory deadlines and policy objectives.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Legal Services Agreement