Workforce Housing

Building Momentum: Summer Planning and Feasibility Updates
On June 25, the Workforce Housing Leadership Subcommittee gathered for a check-in to align on next steps and prepare for a busy summer ahead. The team revisited highlights from the Knolls Campus visit and reviewed early findings from the ongoing feasibility and yield study—showing the potential for approximately 80 units at both Knolls and Chess Drive. The meeting also previewed results from the Workforce Housing Staff Survey, with 608 employees responding and 96% affirming that high housing costs pose a major challenge to recruitment and retention.

Full reports from both the workforce housing survey and the feasibility studies will be shared at the next subcommittee meeting on August 27, 2025, offering key data to guide planning and decision-making. Updates were shared on the Facilities Master Plan, which is being developed in tandem with housing efforts and will be finalized in the fall. Community polling will begin after July 4 to assess support for a potential bond measure to help fund housing and school facility upgrades.

Groundwork for Growth: Subcommittee Tours Knolls Campus

On May 28, members of the San Mateo-Foster City School District’s Workforce Housing Leadership Subcommittee visited the Knolls Campus (525 42nd Ave. San Mateo) to deepen their understanding of potential housing sites. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods and accessible by transit, the site drew strong interest from the group for its promise and potential. The visit laid important groundwork as the District continues exploring viable locations to support affordable housing solutions for staff.

Progress in Partnership: Workforce Housing Leadership Subcommittee Launches
On April 30, the San Mateo-Foster City School District held the inaugural meeting of its Workforce Housing Leadership Subcommittee—uniting staff, families, and community leaders around a shared goal: securing affordable housing for the educators and employees who make our schools thrive. From survey insights and feasibility studies to early design concepts and community engagement, the meeting marked a pivotal step in turning ideas into action. With collaboration at the heart of this effort, the subcommittee is committed to ensuring every voice is heard and every solution is built to last.

Read more about the Leadership Subcommittee Launch

Our Collective Commitment to Workforce
At the April 24, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting, SMFCSD reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the housing crisis with bold action and unanimous support. Trustees adopted two key resolutions—one affirming the District’s long-term plan to build affordable workforce housing, and another endorsing state legislation (AB 1021 and AB 1381) designed to fund and fast-track these efforts. Grounded in personal stories and shaped by statewide momentum, this milestone reflects a powerful, collective commitment to building a future where SMFCSD educators and staff can live where they work and thrive in the communities they serve.

Our Collective Commitment to Workforce Housing

At the March 27, 2025, Board of Trustees Meeting, the San Mateo-Foster City School District took several important steps to advance its Workforce Housing Initiative, aimed at addressing the high cost of living and supporting staff retention.

Key Board Actions

• HKIT Architects Contract Approved – Workforce Housing Site Analysis and Yield Study
  In response to the task force’s recommendation to study District-owned properties, HKIT Architects was selected to conduct a feasibility and yield study of the Knolls Campus and Chess Drive properties. HKIT brings experience with both sites, including an understanding of the Knolls' complex topography. Their work will help determine what is possible from a design and capacity standpoint and will guide the District in assessing the potential for future workforce housing development.
• Aedis Architects Contract Approved – Facilities Master Plan Update
  As recommended by the task force, the District is updating its Facilities Master Plan to reflect current building needs and explore how future facilities planning could support workforce housing. Aedis Architects, who authored the District’s previous plan, was selected due to their deep familiarity with SMFCSD properties. This updated plan is also required to remain eligible for the State’s School Facility Program (SFP) and will position the District to seek future funding aligned with our long-term vision.
• TeamCiviX, LLC Contract Approved – Survey Feasibility Engagement for a Possible 2026 Bond Measure
  The District is exploring a potential bond measure in 2026 that could help fund facilities improvements, including workforce housing. To assess public support, the District will partner with TeamCiviX to develop and conduct a quantitative survey. The results will provide the Board and leadership team with a clear understanding of community perspectives on a bond and inform decisions about whether to pursue this funding pathway.

• Communications Plan Approved 
  The Board approved a long-range Workforce Housing Communications Plan designed to ensure transparency, encourage community participation, and build broad support for potential housing solutions.

Advancing Workforce Housing with Subcommittee and Survey

In February 2025, the San Mateo-Foster City School District took bold steps forward in its Workforce Housing Initiative, deepening its commitment to supporting SMFCSDs workforce who are struggling with the high cost of living in our region.

Our community has long recognized that affordable housing is critical to recruiting and retaining the dedicated teachers, staff, and administrators who serve our students. Now, we’re turning this recognition into action.

At the February Board of Trustees meeting, two key recommendations from the Educator Housing Task Force were approved: the creation of a Workforce Housing Leadership Subcommittee and the selection of J Turner Research to conduct a districtwide workforce housing survey.

Leadership Subcommittee Formed

The newly formed Workforce Housing Leadership Subcommittee brings together a diverse group of 12 stakeholders — including staff, administrators, union leaders, parents, community partners, and elected officials — united by a shared goal: to champion this work and help guide the district’s housing efforts.

This subcommittee is not just symbolic; it is charged with driving the conversation forward, exploring potential solutions, and ensuring that staff voices remain central to every step of the process. The group will present publicly on its work and help shape next steps toward viable housing solutions for our employees.

Surveying Our Workforce – In Partnership with J Turner Research

Listening to our people is at the heart of this effort. To truly understand the needs, preferences, and challenges facing our workforce, the district has partnered with J Turner Research, a firm specializing in housing market trends and analysis.

The Fourth Meeting: Exploring New Insights from Neighboring Housing Initiatives

At the November 26th meeting, the Educator Housing Task Force focused on refining strategies to address educator housing challenges.

Special guests Trevor Miller and Jim Monreal from Santa Cruz City Schools shared their district’s journey in creating housing at 313 Swift Street, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and thoughtful planning. Board member Alisa MacAvoy and Supertintendent John Baker, from Redwood City School District highlighted their feasibility study and partnership with local agencies.

Superintendent Diego Ochoa encouraged the task force to begin thinking about recommendations for the December regular board meeting on December 12, 2024.

Documents shared: EHTF meeting 4_SMFCSD & RWCSD Presentation | Jefferson Union High School District_Handout Administrative Document Waitlist | Redwood City Workforce housing - FAQ - EHTF Mtg 4 | Teacher Housing Foundation_Handout EHTF Mtg #4

The Third Meeting: Talking Site Opportunities

The Educator Housing Task Force welcomed current Board president of Jefferson Union High School District, Ms. Kalimah Salahuddin as she opened for the third meeting on October 24th. Sharing JUHSD's story is crucial for the Task Force to consider all options when moving forward in building educator housing for SMFCSD staff.

Jefferson Union's story emphasized the importance of creating high-quality housing that respects the dignity of educators, incorporating features like laundry rooms and community amenities. The district took swift action, building all at once to avoid rising construction costs. Today, Jefferson Union’s 5-acre site houses 100 units—a significant achievement, though Ms. Salahuddin noted, “Housing for a third of the staff is still not enough.” The program now has a waitlist and has fostered a sense of community among staff, enhancing collaboration and improving educational outcomes. “Housing and success at school are inextricably linked,” she concluded, emphasizing that housing stability allows staff to focus on their jobs rather than basic needs like food or rent.

Documents shared: Employee Housing Task Force: Property Discussion

The Second Meeting: Broadening Our Knowledge

At the September 26th meeting of SMFC's Educator Housing Task Force expanded its focus on the broader challenges and potential solutions for workforce housing.

The meeting featured a presentation by Kelly M. Rem, the Partner at Lozano

Smith, who provided an insightful overview titled "Workforce Housing: A Work in Progress." The presentation delved into the complexities surrounding educator housing and outlined the legal and procedural steps districts must navigate. Attendees were also introduced to a practical tool—a Checklist for the Sale or Lease of School District Surplus Property—designed to help the district explore all potential options for advancing housing solutions. With council members and city representatives contributing, the group examined housing on a broader scale, reflecting the shared responsibility between school districts and local municipalities to address the housing crisis.

Documents shared: Workforce Housing Presentation 2024 | SMFCSD JUHSD Presentation_ETHF_926 | Checklist for Sale or Lease of School District Surplus Property

The First Meeting: Building Momentum

August 29, 2024 saw the inaugural meeting of the Educator Housing Task Force bringing together a talented diverse group of stakeholders that include high-level executives, school administrators, union presidents, and community leaders from both San Mateo and Foster City. 

During this first meeting, the task force explored current residential trends among district staff, highlighting the growing challenges of housing affordability. Participants discussed that 75 teachers hired in the last three years live in over 33 cities that require a lengthy commute with significant vehicle traffic. These discussions underscored the critical need for action to ensure that our educators and support staff can continue to live in the communities they serve. 

Documents shared: EHTF Activity Aug 29, 2024 | Educator Housing Task Force Mtg | Housing Samples 1 and 4 through 9

In the San Mateo-Foster City School District, we believe that providing our educators and staff with stable, affordable housing is critical to fostering a thriving educational environment for our students. This conviction led to the formation of the Workforce Housing Task Force, which aims to address the housing challenges faced by our district’s staff. As housing prices continue to rise, district teachers and staff struggle to find affordable housing within the communities they serve. This reality continues to be a direct threat to staff retention, job satisfaction, and, by extension, the consistency and quality of education our students receive.

Board Approval: Turning Vision into Action

On June 27, 2024, the San Mateo-Foster City School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the creation of the Workforce Housing Task Force. This decision reinforces our district's commitment to support our educators in ensuring they live and work by the communities they are committed to serving.

With this green light, the task force was officially established, setting the stage for a focused and collaborative approach to developing viable housing solutions.

Looking Forward: A Commitment to Change

The journey toward securing affordable housing for our educators is just beginning. The Workforce Housing Task Force will continue to meet in the coming months, working diligently to develop actionable recommendations that will be presented to the Board.

These recommendations will be informed by thorough research, community input, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every educator and staff member in our district has access to safe, affordable housing.

As we move forward, the San Mateo-Foster City School District remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our educators, recognizing that their well-being is integral to the success of our students and the overall health of our community.