San Diego Unified Postpones Vote on Affordable Housing – Voice of San Diego

San Diego Unified School District Board Reviews Largest Affordable Workforce Housing Proposal in California

Overview of the Proposal

On Wednesday, the San Diego Unified School District board considered approving the largest slate of affordable education workforce housing ever attempted in California. The proposals, submitted by private developers, aimed to develop housing at five district-owned sites, potentially producing 1,500 units. This initiative aligns with the district’s goal of creating enough housing for 10 percent of its workforce.

Board Deliberations and Voting Outcome

Despite strong advocacy from Board President Cody Petterson, the board voted 3 to 2 to postpone approval of housing proposals at four of the five sites. Petterson and Trustee Shana Hazan opposed the postponement. The board did approve one proposal for a 108-unit project at the district’s Instructional Media Center, which was the only submission for that site.

Key Issues and Disagreements

• Maximizing Affordability: A central tension arose regarding the interpretation of maximizing affordability. Some board members emphasized producing the maximum number of affordable units, consistent with the district’s request for proposals.
• Committee Recommendations: The district committee recommended projects that produced fewer affordable homes but offered cheaper units, indicating a different interpretation of affordability.
• Equity in Housing Distribution: Trustee Richard Barrera requested developers to reconfigure proposals to include an equal mix of housing for certificated and classified staff, although this was not specified in the original request for proposals.

Next Steps and Future Meetings

1. The final decision on housing proposals will be made at a workshop scheduled for January.
2. Developers will not be allowed to make substantive changes to their proposals but will complete a uniform questionnaire and likely present the merits of their proposals.
3. Further details of the January workshop remain unclear.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

This housing initiative directly supports SDG 11 by promoting affordable and sustainable housing solutions for the education workforce. Providing accessible housing near workplaces reduces commute times and environmental impact, fostering sustainable urban development.

SDG 4: Quality Education

By addressing workforce housing needs, the district supports SDG 4 by improving the living conditions of educators and staff, which can enhance job satisfaction and retention, ultimately contributing to better educational outcomes.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The focus on affordable housing for both certificated and classified staff aligns with SDG 10, aiming to reduce inequalities within the workforce by ensuring equitable access to affordable living options.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The collaboration between the school district and private developers exemplifies SDG 17, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development objectives.

Conclusion

The San Diego Unified School District’s effort to develop affordable workforce housing is a significant step toward sustainable community development and aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. While the board’s postponement introduces delays, the initiative remains a critical component of supporting the education workforce and advancing equitable, sustainable urban living.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on San Diego Unified’s efforts to provide affordable housing for its education workforce, which directly supports the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education by supporting educators’ welfare.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The development of affordable workforce housing aligns with the goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • By providing affordable housing, the district aims to reduce economic hardship for its workforce, contributing to poverty alleviation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.c: “By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries.” The article’s focus on housing for education staff supports retention and attraction of qualified teachers.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: “By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.” The district’s goal of creating affordable housing units for 10% of its workforce directly relates to this target.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: “By 2030, ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services.” Affordable housing is a basic service that supports economic stability for the workforce.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of Affordable Housing Units Created
   • The article mentions a goal of producing 1,500 housing units, enough to house 10% of the workforce. This implies an indicator measuring the number of affordable housing units constructed or available to education staff.
2. Percentage of Workforce Housed
   • The target to house 10% of the workforce implies an indicator measuring the percentage of education workforce with access to affordable housing.
3. Affordability Metrics
   • The discussion about maximizing affordability and choosing projects with the cheapest units implies indicators related to housing cost relative to income or affordability thresholds.
4. Equity in Housing Allocation
   • The request for an equal mix of housing for certificated and classified staff implies an indicator measuring equity in housing distribution among different categories of education workforce.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: voiceofsandiego.org