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
RELATED
Webinar

ULI Austin: Meet Recently Elected Austin Council Members

Upgrade to Access locked padlock
Meet three of City of Austin's recently (November 2024) elected council members.
Events Library

2025 ULI Spring Meeting

Upgrade to Access locked padlock
The brightest minds in real estate convened in Denver at the ULI Spring Meeting 2025 in Denver to participate in 22 expertly curated development tours, 30+ engaging concurrent sessions, and hear from 100+ speakers, offering actionable insights and in...

Advisory Services Report: Norwalk, CT

Norwalk is the sixth most populous city in Connecticut, nestled along the northern shore of the long island sound and acting as a significant cultural and economic hub. In March 2024, the City of Norwalk requested an Advisory Service panel to review ...
Topics
Industry Sectors
Housing – Affordable and Workforce
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE