Advisory Services Panel Report

Martis Valley, California

An Innovative Approach to Workforce Housing

Resources
Martis Valley, California (PDF) download
Report Summary:
The Martis Fund asked the panel to explore development strategies for a workforce housing parcel in Truckee, California, and identify creative workforce development options that in turn strengthened the community. The panel proposed a unique workforce housing project that overcame the usual hurdles found in existing affordable housing developments. A main part of the plan was the creation of a land trust that enabled the Martis Fund to retain ownership and control of the land.
 
The recommended design of the workforce housing development consisted of at least 200 family-oriented residential units, to be built in a series of phases. The units needed to be desirable to year-round employees who otherwise would choose to live in nearby Reno,Nevada. To achieve such desirability, this walkable community would feature amenities such as pocket parks, convenience retail, and sustainable design practices. It was also important for employers who would benefit from their employees having increased workforce housing to help in financing and developing this project. The panel’s land trust model, in which the Martis Fund board would remain actively involved as the landowner, would reduce the need for a traditional workforce housing deed and income restrictions. This innovative model would lead to an employer-driven, regional workforce housing solution.
Report Summary: The Martis Fund asked the panel to explore development strategies for a workforce housing parcel in Truckee, California, and identify creative workforce development options that in turn strengthened the community. The panel proposed a unique workforce housing project that overcame the usual hurdles found in existing affordable housing developments. A main part of the plan was the creation of a land trust that enabled the Martis Fund to retain ownership and control of the land.
 
The recommended design of the workforce housing development consisted of at least 200 family-oriented residential units, to be built in a series of phases. The units needed to be desirable to year-round employees who otherwise would choose to live in nearby Reno,Nevada. To achieve such desirability, this walkable community would feature amenities such as pocket parks, convenience retail, and sustainable design practices. It was also important for employers who would benefit from their employees having increased workforce housing to help in financing and developing this project. The panel’s land trust model, in which the Martis Fund board would remain actively involved as the landowner, would reduce the need for a traditional workforce housing deed and income restrictions. This innovative model would lead to an employer-driven, regional workforce housing solution.

Panel Chair

Leigh Ferguson

Panelists

Elizabeth Wilson
Janine Cuneo
Tom Gardner
Gregory Melanson
Resources
Martis Valley, California (PDF) download
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Housing – Affordable and Workforce
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