In an op-ed published April 30, 2025, Jennifer Silva, Executive Director of the Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative, makes the case that the Oak Hill workforce housing plan is a fiscally prudent and mission-aligned opportunity for Marin school districts.

Silva argues that housing instability for teachers and staff contributes heavily to turnover, which in turn undermines educational quality and continuity. She writes:

“The turnover rate among school staff has risen from 3% to 14% over the past 11 years. For many of these educators, living in Marin is simply no longer affordable. Supporting Oak Hill would offer stability—and it does so without exposing districts to financial risk.”

Oak Hill is designed to house 135 public-sector workers—101 school district staff and 34 county employees—at incomes between 50%–80% of area median income. With multiple public agencies serving as bond guarantors, monthly rent could be reduced by up to $400 per unit. Silva emphasizes that districts are not assuming buildout risk—rather, they are participating in a guarantee framework structured to protect housing affordability.

This type of strategic collaboration echoes community land trust models, where public entities align to steward housing long-term and ensure it remains stable and accessible.

Article:
Marin Voice: Housing Plan Is a Good Deal for Marin School Districts