Livermore Affordable Housing Project Clears Major Hurdle After Years of Delays

The 130-unit development still faces financial and legal challenges before construction can begin.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:55pm

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A 130-unit affordable housing project and park in downtown Livermore, California has cleared a major legal hurdle after a five-year court battle. However, the developers now need an additional $72 million to make the $112 million project financially viable due to rising construction costs and the loss of state tax credits from the delays. The project's opponents have vowed to continue fighting the development.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in building affordable housing, even as the state passes laws to remove roadblocks. The delays reflect how legal battles can significantly impact the feasibility of affordable housing projects, potentially leaving lower-income residents without access to homes they can afford.

The details

The California Supreme Court recently decided against hearing an appeal by the project's opponents, dealing a major win to the developers, Eden Housing. However, the project still needs to secure an additional $72 million due to rising construction costs and the loss of $71 million in state tax credits from the delays. The project's opponents, a group called Move Eden Housing, have promised to continue fighting the development, arguing it will add traffic congestion and that the income requirements are too low.

  • In 2008, Livermore designated the site for affordable housing and transferred the land to Eden in 2022.
  • In 2021, Save Livermore Downtown filed a lawsuit alleging inadequate environmental analysis, but the courts disagreed.
  • In 2023, Move Eden Housing attempted to place the project on the ballot, but the city refused, saying the approval had been an administrative action.
  • On January 14, 2026, the California Supreme Court rejected Move Eden Housing's latest petition to challenge the city's efforts.

The players

Eden Housing

The affordable housing developer that is building the 130-unit project in downtown Livermore.

Move Eden Housing

The group of opponents that has been fighting the affordable housing project through various legal challenges.

Linda Mandolini

The president of Eden Housing, who applauded the court decision but criticized the opponents' efforts to continue fighting the development.

Winston Stromberg

The attorney who has represented Move Eden Housing, the project's opponent.

John Marchand

The mayor of Livermore, who applauded the court's decision as a "huge victory" for the much-needed affordable housing project.

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What they’re saying

“It's just awful, it's just unnecessary. Death by delay is a real strategy for people who really don't want things to happen in these communities.”

— Linda Mandolini, President of Eden Housing

“Despite the outcome here, Move Eden Housing and its supporters have not lost their resolve or given up. Too much is at stake for the future of downtown Livermore. We are investigating what other options may be available under the law to support the will of the voters. Our job is not done.”

— Move Eden Housing

“This is a huge victory. We've been working very hard on this. This is something that's desperately needed and it's unfortunate that a small handful of people have spent over $6 million trying to stop this complex.”

— John Marchand, Mayor of Livermore

What’s next

Eden Housing plans to reapply for the state tax credits this year and hopes to break ground on the project later in 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in building affordable housing, even as the state passes pro-housing laws. The delays and legal battles reflect how difficult it can be to get these critical projects off the ground, potentially leaving lower-income residents without access to homes they can afford.