As school districts face growing challenges in retaining educators, workforce housing has become a critical part of the solution. With expertise in both preK–12 facility planning and multifamily residential design, we help districts develop thoughtful, community-driven housing strategies tailored to their needs.
PreK-12 Workforce Housing Think Tank Series
In November 2023, Multistudio’s San Francisco office hosted leaders from real estate, financial, policy, and education sectors to discuss PreK-12 workforce housing at the first of a series of think tanks. Session #1, titled "Identifying a Path Forward for Workforce Housing," focused on eliminating barriers to affordable housing for K-12 teachers and staff.
Session #3, titled "Understanding the Financial Feasibility of a pK-12 Workforce Housing Project," took place in November 2024 and centered on analysis of financial plans and capital structures for a sample feasibility study pK-12 workforce housing project, which served as a real-time workshop on the financial “levers” can be utilized.
Through this series of think tanks, Multistudio has formed a network of school districts, developers, program and construction managers, advisors, and California legislative policy advocates who have direct experience with workforce and affordable housing. We are able to work with K-12 districts to bring in the right partner at the right time in the lifecycle of your workforce housing project.
Our partners include Kitchell, RLR Ventures LLC, Royal Bank of Canada, The Annex Group, Education Housing Partners, Housing Action Coalition, Jefferson Union High School District, Mountain View Whisman School District, San Francisco Unified School District, and South San Francisco Unified School District.
A Blueprint for Workforce Housing
Drawing on insights and partnerships from our think tank series, Multistudio now offers a full spectrum of services to help school districts move from conversation to construction. Whether your district is exploring feasibility or ready to engage the community, we can help bring your housing initiative to life—at the right time, with the right team.
Explore our services below to see how we can support your district’s next steps. Email possibilities@multi.studio to learn more.
Feasibility Studies We evaluate your district’s land through site assessments, zoning analysis, and financial projections to determine whether workforce housing is viable—and how best to move it forward.
Evaluation of Local Housing Market and Needs We assess local housing conditions to help right-size your project, ensuring it directly addresses what your district’s educators and staff need most.
Land Allocation We guide districts in identifying and optimizing school-owned sites for housing, balancing development opportunities with ongoing school operations.
Planning We help districts understand the full development process and create long-term strategies for delivering workforce housing that aligns with educational goals and fiscal realities.
Master Planning and Visioning Our team can integrate workforce housing into broader campus master plans—aligning future development, infrastructure, and school programming with your district’s mission.
Financial and Funding Strategy Support We help districts navigate grants, loans, and partnerships, working with financial consultants to craft sustainable funding plans tailored to your goals.
Phased Development Strategy For districts with limited budgets, we create phased approaches that allow housing to be built in stages—adding units as funding and demand grow.
Rent Subsidies Through our trusted network, we can connect your district with developers who can explore subsidy models and funding strategies to help keep housing affordable.
Community Engagement and Outreach We facilitate conversations with district leaders, families, and neighbors to build trust, gather input, and ensure the housing project reflects community priorities.
Coordination with Housing Policy Advocates We connect districts with policy experts who can help navigate local and state regulations to keep projects aligned with affordable housing policy and funding opportunities.
Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/P) Development We support the creation of clear, strategic RFQ/P documents to attract partners who align with your district’s values and vision.
Design of Support Spaces We help shape housing programs that include on-site support services like financial coaching and community amenities that foster well-being and connection.
Design of Shared and Flexible Spaces We design spaces that balance privacy and community—such as coworking areas, shared lounges, and gardens—to enrich day-to-day life for educators.
Design for Teacher and Staff Well-Being We integrate thoughtful design strategies that prioritize wellness, offering spaces for rest, mental health support, and social interaction.
Sustainability and Resilience Planning Every project we lead includes strategies for energy efficiency, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability—ensuring your housing investment stands the test of time.
