Affordable housing applications open for San Francisco educators
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San Francisco's first affordable housing development for educators and school district employees is on track to open this fall, with applications open as of Tuesday.
Why it matters: The city is notoriously unaffordable and teachers have said their pay is inadequate to live in San Francisco, contributing to some retention issues.
Driving the news: Applications for the Shirley Chisholm Village, an affordable housing development for San Francisco Unified School District employees, will remain open until April 23.
- The 135-unit development, on 43rd Avenue in the Outer Sunset, is the city's first 100% affordable housing project for SFUSD employees.
What they're saying: "If we want to keep families in San Francisco, we need more housing and we need good public schools," District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio, who represents the Sunset District, said in a press release.
- "Good schools require teachers, and teachers need a place to live," he said, noting that the project "is essential for our city to thrive."
Zoom in: The rental units are a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, which are available for households earning up to 120% of the area median income.
- Last year, 120% of the AMI was $121,000 for a household of one and $172,900 for a household of four, according to the mayor's office.
Context: A mid-career SFUSD teacher had an annual salary of $89,000 a year as of 2022, compared with a $147,000 annual salary for a mid-career teacher in Mountain View, which has seen increased property tax revenues over the years, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
- SFUSD teachers in October reached an agreement with the school district that includes a $9,000 salary increase for the current school year, as well as an additional 5% raise for next school year.
What to watch: There are two more affordable educator housing projects on the way, with residents expected to be able to move in beginning in 2026.
- The one near Hayes Valley will be available for renters, while the one in the Mission will offer below-market-rate homes for purchase.