A major milestone is approaching for Marin’s Oak Hill workforce housing project, a joint effort by public agencies to create long-term housing for educators and public workers. Reporting by Keri Brenner in the Marin Independent Journal indicates that as of January 23, 2025, the project is entering its final planning phase before construction.

The planned 135-apartment complex will reserve 101 units for school employees and 34 for county workers, housing renters at 50%-80% of area median income. To close a projected $17.4 million funding gap and make bonds affordable, five public institutions are pledging to guarantee rental income over 40 years, lowering monthly rent by as much as $400 per unit per year. The entities involved include Novato Unified School District, Marin County Office of Education, College of Marin, San Rafael City Schools, and Marin County itself.

This collaborative model reflects a mission-driven housing approach akin to community land trusts: aligning public resources to co-guarantee affordability and ensure long-term stewardship of housing for essential workers.

As Brenner writes, “the guarantor program is needed to help close a projected $17.4 million deficit […] If we could get 100% participation in the guarantor program, it would lower the interest rate on the project by 1 point.”

This project represents a promising example of how communities can co-invest in housing equity through pooled public commitment—something our organization deeply supports.

Article:
Marin Workforce Housing Complex Edges Toward Construction Phase