Affordable Housing Project For Marin Teachers, County Workers Hits A Snag

MILL VALLEY, CA — The Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider a commitment to partially finance a low-income housing project between San Quentin Village and Larkspur Landing. The project is currently facing a $16.4 million funding gap.

The Oak Hill Workforce Housing project is a planned 135-unit affordable workforce housing complex that would provide rental units for teachers, school staff and Marin County employees who qualify.

According to the current proposal, households of three with incomes ranging from $88,150 to $141,040 would qualify for the two-bedroom units that would cost $1,836 to $2,938.

Nearly two-thirds of Marin County workers commute from adjacent counties, according to a Marin County press release.

“There are massive benefits to living where you work, and as we know over 60% of Marin’s workforce drive from out of county into county each and every day. And we know this is simply not sustainable,” said Senator Mike McGuire, D, at a 2022 town hall meeting.

To close nearly $10 million of the gap, the Marin County Public Financing Authority established a financing program.

Supervisors are considering a commitment to be financially responsible for 34 of the apartments, which would guarantee those units for Marin County employees who qualify. Community Development Agency staff members have recommended the Board join the project. The funding will be considered at Tuesday's meeting.

In 2019, Marin County identified the state-owned property in unincorporated Larkspur for the project due to its proximity to transportation and shopping. The state chose the housing agencies — Eden Housing and Educational Housing Partners — to build the residential community.

In 2023, the supervisors approved $6.6 million in grant money to help fund over a dozen projects, including Oak Hill.