PK-12 Workforce Housing Key Insights and Lessons Learned Webinar

Webinar Date: January 30, 2025

The rising cost of housing has become a critical barrier to attracting and retaining quality educators and staff in school districts nationwide. In California alone, over 200 school districts have reported significant staffing shortages due to the lack of affordable housing. Workforce housing presents a viable—though not permanent—solution to address this issue. This session will explore how school districts can navigate the complex process of developing workforce housing on surplus land, including the legal framework, key partnerships, financial considerations, and resources available to support success. Attendees will gain actionable insights into both the pre-development and post-occupancy phases, equipping them to champion workforce housing initiatives that deliver long-term benefits to their communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess Needs and Opportunities:
  Once workforce housing has been identified as a critical need, this presentation will provide insight and opportunity to better understand the process, including available resources and potential partnerships.
• Navigate Legislative Frameworks:
  Key legislation at the California State level will be reviewed and its impact on Workforce Housing development for pK-12 school districts.
• Form Effective Partnerships:
  Identify and establish collaboration with developers, architects, financiers, policy advocates, and other stakeholders crucial to project success.
• Develop Financial Literacy:
  Better understand how financial literacy training for housing tenants is critical to support throughout the process - pre-development through post-occupancy - as workforce housing is intended to be transitional housing to permanent residency.

Panelists:
Lauren Maass, Moderator, Multistudio
Richard Berrera, CDE
Isela Lopez, Los Angeles USD
Dr. Steve Martinez, Twin Rivers USD
Kalimah Salahuddin, Jefferson UHSD
Andrew Keller, CSBA