Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Common Good project?

Common Good is a workforce reentry center comprised of three buildings on an approximately 4.6-acre property. The campus will provide vocational training and employment services, a commercial retail center, and transitional housing for justice-involved adults and others in need of these services throughout the County systems of care.

Where is the project site?

The project site is located at 561 South The City Drive in Orange, CA, directly adjacent to the 22 Freeway, south of the County of Orange’s Theo Lacy Facility and the Lamoreaux Justice Center, across the street from the Outlets at Orange, and just west of the 22, I-5, and 57 interchange.

Who owns the property?

The County of Orange. The property was formerly the site of a county-operated animal shelter, which relocated to a new facility in Tustin in 2018.

Who’s paying for the project?

The County of Orange is funding the project, including up to $117 million in construction costs. Common Good will be operated by a local nonprofit entity, and the County is seeking grants and philanthropic funding sources to which donations toward the project are welcome.

Has the County identified a service provider to operate the Common Good campus?

The Project's training programs will be provided through a collaboration between the County of Orange and the Hub for Integration, Reentry and Employment (HIRE). HIRE is a woman-founded and run non-profit organization that assists individuals in Orange County facing employment barriers due to past convictions. It is the only organization in the County to provide services with no age or conviction restrictions, to maximize the skills and opportunities for formerly incarcerated and system-involved youth and adults in Orange County through employment, mentorship, and community building. Please visit www.hireoc.org to learn more.

What’s the need for this project?

Studies have shown that there is a clear gap in the community services available specifically to address the underlying issues for thousands of local justice-involved individuals. The studies also highlight the limited time they are in custody to receive access to effective outreach and engagement services, illustrating the need for comprehensive reentry and employment services such as job placement, career coaching, resume building, and vocational training.

Situated near the County of Orange's justice and support service facilities - including adult custody operations, juvenile services, and related County programs - the Common Good campus offers a uniquely strategic location that strengthens coordination, accessibility, and participant support.

Is there another project like this in Southern California?

Although similar to Los Angeles' famed Homeboy Industries, which is privately run, Common Good is the only publicly owned workforce reentry campus of its kind in the region and is innovative in its design to include a housing component.

What kinds of services will be available on the campus?

Common Good will be dedicated to improving program participants' lives by fostering self-sufficiency. Plans include on-the-job training, retail-based operations, training labs, and onsite supportive housing for program participants. The training spaces may serve up to 25 individuals per class, depending on the topic, and are geared toward providing essential job skills that will lead to opportunities to obtain and maintain quality employment.

Are the housing units designated for program participants?

Yes. The residential building will provide free short-term housing for 52 program participants and two on-site managers.

Have you identified the types of retail uses that will occupy the spaces?

Yes. Common Good's 16,166-square-foot retail/culinary building will feature various kitchens for training and production and three retail elements open to the public: an open market with bakery, bistro counter, and open retail stalls; a fitness/wellness studio; and a pet training/grooming facility. This mix of retail uses is supported by a County of Orange-procured retail feasibility assessment. The study concluded that, based on the project's location, high accessibility, and other retail uses in the general vicinity, this retail mix was appropriate.

How many jobs will be created by Common Good?

The project would be staffed by trained professionals and would provide approximately 70 jobs, not including jobs created for program participants. Employment opportunities would include administrative staff, training program leaders and instructors, cafeteria staff, and security personnel.

Is the project already approved?

Yes. In August 2025, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a Development Agreement for construction of the project.

Was environmental review conducted as part of the approvals process?

Yes, an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was conducted and concluded that the project would not have a significant impact on the environment. The environmental documents can be viewed here.

How will the project complement the surrounding area?

The project site is strategically located away from established residential neighborhoods in the City of Orange and is directly adjacent to the Theo Lacy Jail Facility, Orange County Juvenile Hall, and the Lamoreaux Justice Center. The site is also near major employment centers, including the UCI Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, and the Santa Ana Civic Center. The project's retail elements were identified to address unmet needs within the immediate area's marketplace.

Will traffic circulation be improved in the area?

Yes. In fact, the project will feature a new central entrance with traffic signal modifications, restriping, and median improvements, significantly enhancing accessibility to the property and improving overall traffic circulation in the area.

Will there be adequate parking provided for residents and the public?

Yes, 171 surface parking spaces, including seven standard electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces, will be provided.

Will there be onsite 24/7 security?

Yes, the project will be staffed 24/7 with on-site security personnel and will incorporate additional security features, including key card access control, building lockdown capabilities, surveillance systems, and emergency call stations. To further address potential security concerns, the project also includes the construction of a new security block wall along the site's border with the Theo Lacy Facility.

What is the construction timeline?

The project is targeting a summer 2026 groundbreaking with construction anticipated to be completed by the spring of 2028.

Where can I subscribe to receive project updates?

Link to signup form on website.