San Diego Board Advances Workforce Housing Projects for Educators

The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education has taken significant steps toward addressing the housing crisis for its workforce by advancing two major affordable housing projects. On October 23, 2023, the board authorized staff to negotiate with developers for properties located in University Heights and the Midway District. This initiative aims to house 10% of the district’s workforce by 2030, potentially marking California’s largest initiative of its kind for educators.

During a special affordable housing workshop, the board voted in favor of proposals from two developers: Protea + Malick for the site of the Eugene Brucker Education Center, and Mirka Investment for the former Irving Street Warehouse on Commercial Street. These projects are designed to alleviate the financial strain on educators and support staff who struggle to afford housing near their workplaces.

The proposed project at the Eugene Brucker Education Center involves transforming the 13-acre district headquarters at 4100 Normal Street into 1,500 units for households earning between 50% and 120% of the area median income. This development not only aims to provide affordable housing but also includes community amenities such as a drop-off and pick-up area for nearby Birney Elementary School, a potential swimming pool for San Diego High School students, a childcare facility, a dog park, and space for a community garden.

In parallel, Mirka Investment’s proposal for 2101 Commercial Street envisions 174 units of affordable workforce housing targeting lower-income households with incomes between 30% and 80% of the area median income. This project guarantees the district a total of $7.5 million in rent, along with potential additional financial benefits, and plans for a 6,000-square-foot childcare facility.

Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., expressed the board’s commitment to tackling the affordability crisis facing educators and support staff. “By moving these projects forward, the board is taking meaningful steps toward creating quality homes that are within reach for the people who make our schools successful,” she stated.

Following initial discussions last month, the board also advanced a project at the Instructional Media Center but directed staff to schedule further workshops for a detailed review of proposals for the Eugene Brucker Education Center, Ballard Center/Fremont Center, Commercial Street, and Revere Center properties. The board’s authorization allows staff to complete due diligence and negotiate the best and final terms with selected developers for each property.

Any final agreements will return to the board for further consideration and approval, ensuring that oversight remains in place for these initiatives. For more information on the proposals, workshop agendas, and next steps, visit SanDiegoUnified.org.