The Board of Equalization accepted an informational hearing report Oct. 21 that examined how public agencies can create and preserve workforce housing for employees.

Member Schaeffer introduced the item and said the hearing explored measures to help public workers — for example teachers and public-safety personnel — live in the communities they serve, including tools that enable public agencies to hold real estate and preserve affordability. The report recommended options such as enabling agencies to retain properties, supporting legislation to create predevelopment funding for districts, and other mechanisms to sustain long-term affordability.

The board moved to accept the report; the motion passed on roll-call vote. Board members praised the presentations and noted the difficulties of housing costs in many California regions.

Why it matters: High housing costs in many parts of California place strain on public employers’ ability to recruit and retain employees. Tools to finance and preserve workforce housing could affect local budgets and staffing.

Next steps: The informational report was accepted and will be published; any legislative or funding proposals suggested in the report would require separate board or legislative action.