News & Insights

Community College Series: Part 1

Tackling the workforce housing challenge within community colleges

As a community college leader in California, you’re no stranger to the challenges of recruiting and retaining a qualified and skilled workforce, especially in the state’s high-cost housing markets. California’s housing crisis has made it increasingly difficult for many community colleges to attract and retain not just faculty but also the essential staff members who keep their campuses running smoothly—from custodians and maintenance workers to administrative and academic support. One solution is increasingly gaining attention: workforce housing. By providing affordable housing options for staff, whether through on-campus units, rental assistance, or down payment support, community colleges can not only address immediate staffing concerns but also build a more stable, engaged workforce. In the long run, this investment can significantly enhance staff retention, improve morale, and reduce turnover, all of which contribute to the success of your institution.

Why workforce housing matters

California’s housing market is notorious for its sky-high prices and lack of supply, particularly in urban areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. For community college staff, this has created a significant barrier to living in close proximity to their place of work. Employees may be forced to endure long commutes, pay a disproportionate amount of their income toward rent, or even leave the state in search of more affordable living conditions.

Providing workforce housing allows you to address this issue head-on. Offering housing options for your staff sends a clear message that you are committed to supporting their well-being—helping them secure stable, affordable housing so they can focus on what matters most: contributing to the success of your students and the community. Moreover, workforce housing has the potential to mitigate the risk of a “brain drain,” where talented employees seek opportunities elsewhere due to the high cost of living.

Housing solutions tailored to the needs of community colleges

There are several housing solutions that California community colleges can explore to address the challenges posed by high housing costs. Each of these options can be adapted to suit the needs and resources of your specific campus, whether it’s a large urban college or a smaller rural institution.

1. For-sale housing: In regions where housing prices are extremely high, such as the Bay Area, offering affordable for-sale housing could be a game-changer. By providing staff with the opportunity to purchase homes close to campus, you can give them a sense of stability and long-term investment. While this may require significant upfront resources, it can pay off in employee retention and morale.
2. Rental housing: Building on-campus rental housing or partnering with local landlords to secure affordable rental units for staff is another effective option. Many community colleges have underutilized property that could be developed into rental housing for staff, providing them with a cost-effective solution and reducing the burden of long commutes. This approach is particularly appealing in California’s densely populated areas, where affordable rentals can be scarce.
3. Down payment assistance or housing stipends: For many community college staff, saving for a down payment is a major hurdle to homeownership. Offering down payment assistance or housing stipends can help bridge this gap, enabling staff to secure homes in desirable locations. These financial resources could be tailored to meet the needs of lower-wage employees, including custodians, clerical workers, and adjunct faculty.
4. Mortgage assistance or subsidies: Offering subsidies or other financial assistance to help staff manage monthly mortgage payments can be another solution. This program can be especially beneficial in higher-cost regions, where even faculty salaries may not be enough to cover living expenses. Providing mortgage assistance is a relatively low-cost option for the institution, but it can make a significant difference in the financial stability of your staff.

Going beyond housing: addressing family needs

When planning housing solutions, it’s essential to consider the broader needs of your employees. Many community college staff members have families, and providing housing options that cater to these family needs can improve employee satisfaction and retention. For staff with children, considerations such as school quality, access to childcare, and proximity to family-friendly amenities should be factored into the housing strategy.

California has a diverse demographic, with many employees balancing the demands of work and family life. Offering housing solutions that are close to quality schools, child care services, and public transportation can make a housing program even more attractive. Taking a holistic approach to workforce housing not only supports the well-being of individual employees but also enhances the overall sense of community on campus.

The long-term benefits

The decision to offer workforce housing is not only a financial one—it’s a strategic investment in the long-term success of your community college. By offering affordable housing, you can:

1. Reduce turnover: High turnover is costly, both in terms of time and resources. By providing workforce housing, you help ensure that your staff remains stable, loyal, and engaged, leading to a more effective workforce and fewer disruptions.
2. Attract top talent: Offering affordable housing options makes your institution more attractive to potential employees. In California’s competitive job market, providing this benefit can set your college apart and make it a destination for top talent.
3. Boost employee morale: When employees feel supported by their institution, they are more likely to remain committed and motivated. Offering housing assistance is a direct way to improve morale and foster a sense of loyalty among your staff.
4. Support community well-being: The housing crisis in California affects everyone—students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. By providing workforce housing, your college can play an important role in addressing affordable housing shortages and contribute positively to the local community.

Looking ahead

For community colleges in California, workforce housing is no longer just an optional benefit; it’s becoming a necessity. With housing costs continuing to rise, institutions must find creative, sustainable ways to support their staff and ensure their long-term success. Whether it’s through on-campus housing, rental assistance, or financial support for homeownership, community colleges can lead the way in providing solutions that benefit both employees and the institution.

At Brailsford & Dunlavey, we’ve seen how workforce housing can transform a community college campus, improving both employee satisfaction and institutional stability. The future of your college depends on the well-being of your staff, and providing housing solutions is a powerful way to invest in that future. Now is the time to take action and ensure that your workforce has the support they need to thrive—both in their careers and in their communities.

Matt Bohannon is a vice president in Brailsford & Dunlavey’s Southern California PK-14 practice, where he advises clients on planning and delivering quality-of-life facilities that enhance educational outcomes. Since joining B&D in 2004, he has led the development of over $2.75 billion in completed or active projects, drawing on a background in architecture and expertise in financial and market analysis. Matt is widely recognized for his work in student housing, student unions, recreation centers, and public-private partnerships, and was named one of Engineering News-Record’s “Top 20 Under 40” in California. He can be reached at mbohannon@bdconnect.com.

Al Grazioli is a vice president in Brailsford & Dunlavey’s Southern California PK-14 practice, where he leads initiatives to repurpose underutilized educational assets, particularly in affordable housing, to support school priorities. With over 20 years of experience in real estate and educational facility development, including leadership roles at LAUSD, he is recognized as an expert in workforce housing and resource management. He can be reached at agrazioli@bdconnect.com.