A1: Workforce housing is designed to help people who earn too much to qualify for affordable housing
subsidies but can't afford market-rate housing. It can be for sale or for rent and can be new or
existing housing.

Workforce housing is often targeted at people who work in essential sectors, such as: teachers, police
officers, nurses, retail workers, firefighters, hospital support staff, and delivery workers.

 

 

 

A2: Like many other districts in the state and across the nation, TRUSD faces challenges in hiring and
retaining qualified educators to work with our students. With the high cost of living in our area, it is
increasingly difficult for the profession's best and brightest educators to live in the community where
they work. Exploring workforce housing is just one of several initiatives TRUSD is considering to
recruit and retain talent.

In addition to the benefit of reduced living costs for residents of workforce housing, providing
employees with below-market-rate rental options will allow them to build savings and ultimately,
better position them for homeownership in the future.

We see workforce housing, customized to meet our needs and to fit into our community, as one of
several strategies being used to retain, attract and employ exceptional and dedicated talent.

 

 

 

A3: We are currently commencing a feasibility study to determine the overall scope, scale, and viability
of the project. This is a multi-stage process that begins with a commitment to dedicate the necessary
resources to fully examine the possibility of workforce housing, and we are in the initial, exploratory
stage – not development or construction.

To be clear, a successful project will typically be a multi-year process from start to finish.

 

 

A4: No. We are still in the very early exploratory stages of the project. As we move forward,
the project will require a public hearing and approval of both the Planning Commission and
the City Council.

 

 

A5: In these early stages we are still studying overall project feasibility and cost. Project financing has not
yet been determined; however, similar workforce housing projects have been funded through a
combination of funding sources that may include District capital facility funds (not General Obligation
Bond), housing tax credits, and private financing.

 

 

A6: No. General funds and bond funds would not be impacted by a potential workforce housing project.
Educator pay largely depends on the state budget, which local education agencies and school districts
do not control. Additionally, the high cost of housing is still going to be a challenge in California
irrespective of salary, and education workforce housing is a non-taxable benefit that saves employees
substantial money every month.

Workforce housing also helps relieve a district’s general fund pressure in both the near and long-term
by creating a stable workforce, thereby lowering the cost of hiring and onboarding.

 

 

 

A7: It is important to the District that a potential project be on par with market-rate rental units in the
area. Special attention has and will continue to be paid to the needs of residents—for example,
knowing what amenities, both inside and outside the housing units, are most important to them; what
size unit is most suitable to employees, etc. The District has conducted two surveys of employees to
serve as a guide to the overall design and housing options that are being explored in the feasibility
study. Throughout the process, TRUSD will continue to engage employees.

 

 

A8: The proposed project site is 1251 Chuckwagon Drive, Sacramento, property already owned by
TRUSD.

 

 

A9: The Board of Trustees/District is the decision-making authority for the workforce housing project. At
this time, the Board has not made any decisions regarding the specifics of the housing occupancy –
who is eligible, how long they can stay, what the rent will be, etc. The project is currently in an
exploratory stage and those kinds of decisions will be made by the Board at a future date, if the
project is approved to move forward.

 

 

A10: No, these terms are often confused, but they are not one and the same. Affordable housing carries
income restrictions and is generally available to the public. Workforce housing does not necessarily carry
the same income restrictions, but is intended to provide a discounted housing option geared toward
school employees.

 

 

A11: While initial renderings may provide conceptual ideas of what the project may look like, final
design and aesthetic decisions will be made at a future date.

 

 

A12: TRUSD is committed to a transparent process that keep staff, students and community
members informed throughout the process. We will keep the community, staff, and
stakeholders apprised of the project as we move forward, and will provide regular updates on
our website and via email. Any project milestones that require approval will be heard before
the Board of Trustees and open for public comment. If you have questions about the project,
please visit our website at https://www.trusd.net/WorkforceHousing.