A Place to Call Home: Berkeley Unified School District Launches First Workforce Housing Development
Berkeley, CA [June 7, 2025] —Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD), in partnership with nonprofit housing developers Abode Communities and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA), broke ground today on its first-ever affordable workforce housing development for educators. The project, known as BUSD Workforce Housing, includes 110 rental apartment homes and marks a bold and long-awaited step toward addressing the region’s urgent housing affordability crisis while supporting the employees who power Berkeley’s classrooms.
“Berkeley Unified is incredibly fortunate to have the strong support of our community and City Partners, all of which were needed to make this project a reality,” said John Calise, Assistant Superintendent, Facilities at Berkeley Unified School District. “Affordable housing is a mainstay for thriving communities, and this project represents our strong commitment to supporting our educators, staff, and their families.”
Located at 1701 San Pablo Avenue, the new development transforms a portion of the Berkeley Adult School parking lot into a vibrant residential community offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes. These units will be affordable to educator households earning between 30% and 120% of Alameda County’s Area Median Income—roughly $47,940 to $191,760 annually for a family of four. Monthly rents will start at $899 for a one-bedroom, with the highest rent for a three-bedroom capped at $3,324.
A 2025 Housing Needs Report from the California Housing Partnership found that renters must earn $50.73 per hour, more than three times the minimum wage, to afford the average asking rent of $2,638 in Alameda County. Early project engagement revealed that 80% of BUSD employees are renters, and 90% expressed interest in affordable housing closer to their jobs.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to ensure that school district teachers and employees can find safe, affordable housing near their places of work,” said Susan Friedland, President & CEO of SAHA. “When we meet the housing needs of the ‘missing middle,’ entire communities thrive.”
The amenity-rich development offers residents a fitness center, community garden, multipurpose room, teen zone, barbecues, and a children’s play area. SAHA will manage property operations and deliver complimentary onsite resident services designed to build community, strengthen family stability, and help residents achieve personal and professional goals.
Financing & Public Commitment
BUSD Workforce Housing was made possible thanks to $26.5 million from the City of Berkeley and a 99-year lease agreement from Berkeley Unified School District with land valued at $11.5 million. Additional project financing was made possible by a $16 million investment from California Housing Financing Agency and Wells Fargo, who provided more than $78 million in combined construction financing and private equity syndicated through Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
This marks the fourth educator housing project by Abode Communities in collaboration with school districts across California. Its most recent development, The Acacia in Palo Alto, will serve educators from five neighboring school districts when it opens in Summer 2025.
“This project exemplifies what’s possible when cities and school districts come together to innovate for the people who make our communities work,” said Holly Benson, President & CEO of Abode Communities. “We’re not just building more housing—we’re making a long-term investment in public education for the benefit of our students.”
“Wells Fargo was pleased to provide a $45 million dollar construction loan and $34 million dollar equity investment to bring affordable workforce housing to Berkeley Unified School District employees and the greater City of Berkeley community,” said Eric Leimbach, Executive Director, Wells Fargo. “We are grateful to SAHA and Abode for our continued partnership, and to all involved in this important development.”
###