CA's Largest Urban Farm Community Opens In Santa Clara

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Local leaders this week are celebrating the grand opening of Agrihood, an ambitious project funded by Measure A that established the state's largest urban farm community, designed to provide affordable housing for seniors.

Envisioned as a "multigenerational hub," the community offers 165 units for older community members, including 54 set aside for permanent affordable housing, particularly for veterans and seniors without vehicles. Agrihood's on-site farm will keep residents stocked with healthy produce and provide gardening lessons on ample open space.

"Agrihood is a long-awaited addition to the supply of safe and affordable housing the Bay Area needs,” said Susan Ellenberg, president of the Board of Supervisors. "This development is particularly exciting in its innovative design that includes a working farm, some units designated specifically for older adults and others for mixed income populations, and planned efforts to build a true community, not simply shared residency, around the theme of local food sourcing. Agrihood is going to be really special."

According to the county, the Agrihood community is LEED-certified and harnesses a stormwater capture system to help hydrate the farm. The project tapped $23.5 million Measure A funds and $15 million from the city of Santa Clara. Local leaders aim to have the space be home to farmers' markers and other community gatherings.

"We are so excited about this new and unique development that will not only create a multigenerational hub with affordable housing for seniors but will also tap into our agricultural, history while modeling environment sustainability into the future," said Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor. "Additionally, Agrihood provides and incredible local resource with over 50 community events per year on its more than 1.5 acres of open space."