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Martinez Unified outlines steps for workforce housing project but no funding yet identified
Summary
The board heard an update on a proposed workforce housing program that could use the Martinez adult education site; staff identified parking, moving the adult education program and developer economics as obstacles and said no funding source has been secured.
Andy Cannon presented a progress update on Martinez Unified’s education workforce housing effort, telling the board the district still needs to complete Measure O construction work and identify a funding model before moving forward.
Cannon said the district and city attended a CSBA workshop and contracted an architect, and that the 600 F Street site (the Martinez adult education campus) was the initial preferred location. He warned that keeping adult education on site would make it difficult to provide enough parking and the number of units developers need to make a project financially viable: "If we want to have, let's say, 40 different below‑market housing units, we would need to have 60 to 100 at market," he said.
Cannon outlined a phased approach: conduct a timely staff survey to measure interest, hold community informational meetings, run a feasibility study, and — if feasible — issue an RFP to developers and architects. He emphasized the project will require strategic planning and a funding source: "Right now, we do not have a funding source in mind," he said, adding that options could include a developer leaseback or other public‑private arrangements.
Trustees pressed for specifics about parking and potential revenue impacts from relocating a leased campus. Cannon said district rental income from the leased lower campus is roughly $70,000 a year and that moving the adult school could mean losing that revenue unless alternative arrangements are found.
Public commenter Craig Lazaretti urged urgency, linking the housing shortage to declining enrollment and difficulty recruiting and retaining teachers, and argued the district should prioritize workforce housing now. Lazaretti read from the city proclamation for affordable housing month and said the district can "knock down the first domino" but must act with greater speed.
The board did not take action; trustees said they want Measure O projects completed (high school and junior high) and a clearer picture of projected cash balances before committing to workforce housing. Staff will continue planning and report back with next steps, including possible survey drafts the board can review.
Next steps: staff will refine timelines for a staff survey, feasibility study and community outreach and return with recommendations once Measure O project cash projections are clearer.
