More Housing, Stronger Transit: GCTD Launches Third Street Redevelopment Opportunity
OXNARD — Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified developers to transform its approximately 2.93-acre Third Street property in central Oxnard into a transit-oriented residential or mixed-use development. The project represents an opportunity to address local housing needs, make better use of publicly owned land, and create a long-term revenue source to help support public transportation services.
Located at 301 East Third Street in central Oxnard, directly adjacent to multiple GCTD bus routes and just two blocks from the John Zaragoza Oxnard Transit Center, the property offers convenient access to local and regional transportation. Through a proposed 99-year ground lease, GCTD is seeking a development partner to design, construct, manage, and operate a new residential community with opportunities for affordable and mixed-income housing.
Connecting Housing and Transportation
Housing and transportation are two of the largest expenses facing households. Building housing near existing transit connections can help residents reduce transportation costs and improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and other everyday destinations.
“Whether you ride transit or not, affordable public transportation supports the local economy by connecting people who don’t drive to jobs, businesses, and opportunities throughout the community that they might otherwise be unable to reach,” said Vanessa Rauschenberger, General Manager of Gold Coast Transit District.
Transit-oriented development in central Oxnard also makes better use of existing public infrastructure. By bringing more residents within walking distance of established bus and rail connections, communities can reduce dependence on automobiles, support local businesses, and improve access to important destinations without necessarily increasing traffic congestion.
“When we build housing in close proximity to transit, we give residents access to more destinations they need in their daily lives while reducing the financial burden of car ownership,” said Rauschenberger. “This project is an opportunity to connect two critical community needs, housing and access to transportation, while making better use of existing public land.”
Supporting Public Transit’s Financial Future
Like many public transit agencies across California, GCTD faces the challenge of state and federal funding not keeping pace with rising operating costs and growing demand for services. The District provides more than 11,000 passenger trips on a typical weekday, which supports mobility for students, seniors, and people with disabilities across western Ventura County. While increasing public funding remains essential to support transit, GCTD is taking proactive steps to diversify revenue and strengthen long-term financial self-sufficiency.
By redeveloping its former administration and operations facility site through a public-private partnership, GCTD aims to create new housing opportunities, support economic activity, and generate recurring lease revenue to help sustain transit operations while preserving public ownership of the land. “This project is about looking beyond our immediate budget challenges and finding creative ways to sustain public transportation for future generations,” said Rauschenberger.
A Unique Transit-Oriented Development Opportunity
The approximately 2.93-acre infill property encompasses an entire city block in central Oxnard, just two blocks from a major local and regional transit hub, with convenient access to GCTD bus routes, Amtrak, and Metrolink. Its proximity to major transit connections, downtown businesses, and public destinations such as the Oxnard Library and the Oxnard Civic Center makes it an attractive location for housing and mixed-use development.
The property’s General Commercial – Planned Development – Affordable Housing Discretionary zoning designation offers opportunities for multifamily residential and mixed-use development, subject to City approvals. Through a proposed 99-year ground lease, developers can secure long-term use of the property without purchasing the land, allowing more capital to be directed toward development.
GCTD invites qualified developers to submit proposals that maximize the site’s potential, complement the surrounding neighborhood, and create lasting community benefits. The District looks forward to working with the selected developer and the City of Oxnard through the planning and approval process.
To learn more about the Third Street redevelopment project and transit oriented development, visit www.gctd.org/third-street-tod
Interested developers can view the RFP and access submission instructions at:
www.gctd.org/contact/doing-business
About Gold Coast Transit District
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD) provides approximately 3.6 million passenger trips annually through fixed-route, ADA paratransit, and senior transportation services in western Ventura County. GCTD is committed to providing safe, reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation while strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
For more information, visit www.gctd.org