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Proposed MPUSD Workforce Housing

MPUSD is preparing to launch its new workforce housing community at 2300 Garden in Monterey, CA. This is all pending final Board of Education approvals. Applications are anticipated to be available in November 2025, with move-ins beginning in December 2025. Eligible applicants include certificated and classified employees working at least 0.8 FTE (management not eligible). Rent levels are set below market rates, comparable to Very Low Income levels for Monterey County, with sample rates ranging from ~$1,265 for studios to ~$1,628 for two-bedroom units. Tenants may lease for up to five years, with a possible two-year extension. A lottery will assign units based on income tiers and employment status while maintaining a 70% certificated / 30% classified balance.

Timeline

  • September 2025: Engage property manager, draft leasing guidelines and priority framework.
  • October 2025: Adopt guidelines, approve lottery rules, prep leasing docs.
  • November 2025: Open applications, applicant screening, conduct lottery, create tenant list.
  • December 2025: Begin occupancy, BLVD manages move-ins, board updates.
  • January 2026: Stabilized occupancy.

Leasing Guidelines

  • Rent levels: Comparable to Very Low Income (31–50% AMI).
  • Lease terms: 12 months, renewable annually.
  • Tenancy limit: 5 years, with possible 2-year extension.
  • Vacancy rule: Tenants leaving MPUSD must vacate within 90 days.

Proposed Rent Structure (Monthly)

  • Studio: ~$1,265
  • 1-BR: ~$1,446
  • 2-BR: ~$1,628

Eligibility and Priority

  • Eligible: Certificated and classified staff.
  • Not eligible: Management-level employees; employees <0.8 FTE.
  • Prioritization: Full-time (1.0 FTE) gets higher priority.
  • Income tiers: Priority ranges from ≤60% AMI up through >120% AMI.
  • Balance: 70% certificated / 30% classified.

Lottery Process

  • Applicants sorted by priority group.
  • Separate lotteries per category.
  • Units filled in strict order while maintaining a 70/30 staff ratio.

Transition to Housing Board

  • Incorporate Housing Board during initial lease-up.
  • Adopt bylaws and governance structure.
  • Take over leasing, waitlist, and compliance.
  • Provide regular updates to the MPUSD School Board.

Roles and Responsibilities

School Board:

    • Approve property manager.
    • Set leasing guidelines and priority framework.
    • Approve the lottery process.

Housing Board:

    • Manage leasing and waitlist.
    • Oversee property manager.
    • Provide periodic reports to the MPUSD Board.