Advisory Services Panel Report

Martis Valley, California

An Innovative Approach to Workforce Housing

Resources
Martis Valley, California (PDF) Download 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 download
RELATED
Webinar

2025 ULI Americas Awards for Excellence Winners Series: Attainable Housing

Upgrade to Access locked padlock
Part 4 of a four-part webinar series spotlighting the 2025 ULI Americas Awards for Excellence winners. This session, moderated by Kishore Varanasi, Senior Principal, Director of Urban Design at CBT Architects, and ULI AAE 2025 jury member, features a...
Report

Expanding Relief for the Unsheltered: In Support of the City of Fremont

ULI San Francisco's H2H workshop in Fremont focused on expanding the city's Winter Relief Program, which shelters unhoused individuals in hotels. Stakeholders discussed funding challenges, partnerships, and long-term housing solutions. Key proposals ...
Webinar

ULI Asia Pacific Home Attainability Index 2025

Upgrade to Access locked padlock
Rising prices mean that buying a home is difficult in Asia Pacific. In this ULI webinar, speakers addressed the topic of housing attainability, with a look at the 2025 ULI Asia Pacific Home Attainability Index and an expert panel discussion.
Topics
Industry Sectors
Housing – Affordable and Workforce
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE