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Hillsborough schools outline pilot plan to lease district land for employee workforce housing
Summary
The board discussed plans to pursue a pilot workforce‑housing project (proposed at McLean Middle School parcels) using a new July 1 statutory option to lease district land for employee housing; staff said they will seek grant and state funding and return with a long‑term lease for board approval this fall.
Operations staff briefed the board on a proposed workforce‑housing pilot to lease district land for housing targeted to district employees.
Staff explained a July 1 statutory change (Florida statute 1001.43) permits school boards to lease district‑owned property for workforce housing aimed at employees. Staff said McLean Middle School was identified as an initial pilot site because available adjacent land could be used without demolishing school facilities and because the parcel falls within a state boost zone that improves grant funding prospects.
A staff presenter said the district would not act as landlord or operator; instead the district would lease the land long term (50–99 years in typical models) and private or nonprofit partners would design, finance and operate the housing. Staff emphasized stacking state and federal funding sources to lower tenant rents and said they would seek disaster‑recovery, state and local funds and other grant sources.
Board members expressed support and asked for a timeline and clear communications. Staff said a board land‑lease item is likely this fall, with ground‑breaking timing dependent on funding. Member Rendon noted the district’s role is as landowner/partner rather than developer and emphasized the importance of prioritizing employees for available units.
Next steps: staff to continue funding outreach, refine site plans and return this fall with a proposed land‑lease and implementation timeline.
