Mountain View employees reveal housing preferences and affordability challenges

The Mountain View Whisman School District (MVWSD) held a meeting on April 19, 2025, to discuss staff housing, revealing significant insights into the living situations of its employees. The meeting focused on a survey conducted among staff members regarding their housing preferences and challenges.

The survey indicated that nearly half of the district's employees, approximately 62%, live outside Mountain View, often in search of more affordable rental options. The data showed that many staff members are renting two-bedroom apartments, with 42% currently in such arrangements. Notably, 50% of those interested in staff housing expressed a desire for two-bedroom units.

The meeting also addressed the reasons behind the lack of interest in staff housing among some employees. A substantial portion of respondents, about one-third, indicated a general interest in staff housing, while 17% expressed strong interest. However, the largest group of respondents, numbering 99, reported owning their homes, while others cited stable rental situations as a reason for not seeking change. Additionally, 12 respondents mentioned that they found current rental prices too high.

A key discussion point was the potential impact of adjusting income limits for staff housing eligibility. Raising the limits could increase the number of employees qualifying for housing assistance. Currently, a certain percentage of staff qualifies under the 120% Area Median Income (AMI) threshold, but if the AMI were raised to 150%, an additional 52 employees could become eligible.

The meeting concluded with a focus on rental costs as a primary barrier to staff housing. Comparisons were made between current rents paid by respondents and the amounts they would be willing to pay for different types of apartments. The findings suggest that addressing rental prices could be crucial in encouraging more staff members to consider moving into district-provided housing.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the challenges faced by MVWSD employees in securing affordable housing and the potential for policy adjustments to enhance staff housing opportunities. Further discussions and actions are expected to follow as the district seeks to address these pressing issues.