Anaheim Tries a New Approach for 1,000 New Units of Workforce Housing

The city of Anaheim is using a new program offered by the California Statewide Communities Development Authority for a novel approach to workforce housing, according to an article by Mario Ramirez.

"The program issues tax-exempt bonds for the units and pays them back through the adjusted collected rent," according to Ramirez. Anaheim Councilmember Trevor O’Neil is quoted in the article touting the difference between the new program and the traditional approach in large Southern California cities of raising taxes to pay off affordable housing bonds.

"The affordable housing will be focused on Anaheim’s workforce including nurses, first responders, and teachers who may not qualify for affordable housing properties, but struggle to meet rising rent prices where they work in Anaheim."

The city hopes to create 1,000 new apartments with the program.