Some community development organizations have added education to their traditional focus on housing and economic development, looking for ways to support families and children by partnering with local school districts. How is it working?

Housing shortages are pushing teachers out of many communities, prompting school districts and developers to create innovative affordable housing solutions. From converted motels in Texas to large-scale developments in California, districts are leveraging surplus land and creative financing to keep educators local.
California leads with 6 completed teacher housing projects, 4 under construction, and 19 planned. The state has 75,000 acres of available district land — “the size of five Manhattans” — with 61 percent in areas where teachers face housing affordability challenges.
Projects range from Santa Clara's 70-unit development offering 80 percent market-rate rents to Fort Stockton's converted motel starting at $250 monthly. Private developers are also entering the space, with RBH Group's Teachers Village complexes combining housing with educational facilities in multiple cities.
While some projects face NIMBY opposition and financing challenges, demand consistently exceeds supply. As one California official noted: “We could have built more.” The initiatives appear effective at teacher retention - Baltimore's Miller's Court has housed 775 teachers since 2009, with many choosing to stay in the district long-term.
FULL STORY: Expanding the Mission: The Community Groups Serving Schools

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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