Two community-based nonprofit housing providers, Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) and Abode Communities, have partnered with Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) to develop and operate approximately 110 affordable/workforce homes on a portion of the Berkeley Adult School parking lot facing San Pablo Avenue.  

BUSD has been investigating the feasbility of developing workforce housing for several years. Given the mismatch between the relatively modest salaries of many BUSD staff and relatively high housing costs in the City of Berkeley, workforce housing will allow BUSD to continue to recruit and retain quality educators. After conducting a staff survey and commissioning a feasibility analysis, the District selected a portion of what is currently the Berkeley Adult School parking lot as the project site. In 2021, BUSD released a Request for Qualifications and Proposals to develop site, and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) and Abode Communities were selected to jointly develop and own the proposed development in partnership with BUSD.

In November 2018, Berkeley voters approved Measure O, a $135 million bond measure to support the development and preservation of affordable housing. In December 2019, City Council established a priority for a BUSD-sponsored educator housing project for the $24.5 million remaining in the second Measure O bond issuance. In 2024, the City committed an additional $2 million in Measure O funds for the project.

SAHA and Abode Communities will own affordable/workforce housing in perpetuity. SAHA will serve as the onsite property manager.

The City of Berkeley has generously committed $26.5 million of long-term funding to the project. Other financing sources may include the California Housing Finance Agency’s Middle Income Program, both State and Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and a conventional mortgage.

Homes will be prioritized for households with one or more members who are classified or certificated BUSD employees.

Rents are updated annually by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. Using 2024 figures, we expect that rents will range from approximately $876 – $3,400 per month, depending on household size and income.

Security cameras will be installed at building entrances and within common areas, including courtyards. The building will be designed to include exterior down-lighting to illuminate entrances and along sidewalks for improved security at night for residents and passersby.

The current concept contemplates approximately 55 parking spaces for residents in an enclosed garage. In February 2021, the Berkeley City Council modified Berkeley Muncipal Code Chapter 23C.19 to impose a cap of 0.5 parking spaces per dwelling unit on developments such as this one with two or more residential units located within 0.25 miles of a major transit stop.

SAHA will begin accepting rental applications approximately six months prior to construction completion.  To receive project updates, please subscribe here.

Entitlements: April 2022
Financing: 2022-2024
Permitting: 2024
Construction Start: June 2025
Completion: 2027