RCSD Prepares for Final Phase of Workforce Housing City Review
RCSD Prepares for Final Phase of Workforce Housing City Review
Redwood City School District (RCSD) continues to advance its Workforce Housing Project, aiming to address the rising housing affordability challenges for teachers and staff. During the November 20 public School Board meeting, the RCSD Board of Trustees received an update outlining the next steps in this initiative.
RCSD and its development partner, The Sobrato Organization, anticipates that the development application will be deemed “complete” by Redwood City staff by the end of 2024. This designation signifies that the project team has successfully answered all technical and legal questions, setting the stage for an intensive next phase of City approvals through mid-2025, leading to a City Council public hearing and their vote to approve the project.
Once approved, the project team will transition to preparing construction drawings and acquiring permits. The project remains on track for construction completion by 2029.
Creating a Housing Corporation
The Board of Trustees emphasized moving forward with the creation of an RCSD Educational Housing Corporation to allow the school district to focus on district operations, instruction, and student academic achievement.
Similar to other California school districts’ successful housing models, this nonprofit entity will manage the day-to-day operations of the workforce housing program.
The Housing Corporation’s responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing eligibility criteria, tenant selection, and rental policies.
- Managing maintenance, repairs, and property operations through a third-party firm.
- Ensuring compliance with city affordable housing regulations and ordinances.
- Developing tenant services and dispute resolution protocols to maintain a safe, secure, and stable housing environment.
The Housing Corporation’s Board of Directors may include community members, RCSD employees, and professionals with expertise in real estate and local business.
Financing the Vision
The Workforce Housing Project’s funding will draw from three primary sources:
1. Certificates of Participation (COPs): Covering about two-thirds of project costs, with rental income used to repay public agency debt service.
2. Measure S General Obligation Bonds: In November 2022, voters approved Measure S, a $298 million bond measure to support school modernization, construction, and critical needs such as the Workforce Housing Project. As outlined in the ballot language, Measure S funds may be allocated to workforce housing, addressing recruitment and retention challenges by providing affordable housing options for school employees.
3. Private Contributions: This includes Sobrato’s pledge of their office affordable housing mitigation fee that would otherwise be paid to the City, as well as other funds under negotiation with private entities.
The Workforce Housing Project, in collaboration with The Sobrato Organization, will feature a mixed-use development at 750 Bradford Street and 603 Jefferson Avenue. It will provide 108 affordable apartments within three miles of all 12 RCSD schools, offering staff the opportunity to live closer to work and reduce commuting times.
This initiative reflects the Teacher Housing Act of 2016, empowering districts to prioritize below-market-rate housing for school employees. The project aligns with RCSD’s mission to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, benefiting students by fostering stronger connections between staff and the community.
Next Steps
Anticipated City Council approval in mid-2025 will mark a significant milestone, with construction completion targeted for 2029.
The Workforce Housing Project underscores RCSD’s dedication to investing in its workforce, ensuring that educators and staff can thrive in the community they serve.