Dear Council -
Last night we presented the results of our recent staff housing, highlighting how the regional housing crisis is affecting our staff. I've attached the slides and you can view the full 10 minute presentation here.
The technical highlights of the survey are as follows:
* Overall, we received responses from 89 of our ~300 staff members in May of 2022
* 2% of respondents do not have access to reliable housing, and only a third of respondents report having a "safe, secure, and affordable housing option"
* 43% of respondents are considering leaving the district because of the cost of housing or the length the of their commute
* Over 70% of respondents indicated an interest in workforce housing; over 60% of those responded that housing would make them "much more likely" to stay with RCSD
* 85% of respondents had incomes and household sizes that would make them eligible for affordable housing; of those, a further 85% are interested in workforce housing
* Extrapolated to the district, we would need over 200 units of affordable housing to meet the needs of staff
Beyond the technical findings, respondents provided a significant number of quotes. I've copied a few of them below, grouped by major theme - although all responses are also available in the appendix. I would encourage anyone interested in the subject to read all of the provided quotes.
Overall, the survey both highlights the significant need for affordable housing in the broader area and the severe current lack of it. These findings clearly further the arguments in support of a proposed development at the Flood Park site.
These findings reverberate beyond the Flood Site. Many more units than the proposed 80-90 are needed just to support our staff, let alone the nearly half of our families that are under-housed or unhoused. To be clear, we are not considering more than 90 units for this site, but these findings are one of many reasons why we are highly supportive of the City's efforts to build more housing to keep our families and staff in the area.
Please let me know if you have any questions -
Will
Category of Comment
Specific Quotes
Housing is a major financial burden for staff
* A lot of us are on low income housing waiting list for years, so the district having its own would be beneficial to a lot of employees.
* It would change my life. I live with my landlords in a condo in a tiny bedroom. I pay a ton in gas. I cannot financially support medical costs, car repairs, food beyond basics, trips, or hobbies.
* I would be able to afford staying at my current job.
* I could save some money for emergencies.
* I could save for retirement.
Local housing would allow for staff to be part of the community
* Teachers could be more active members of the community.
* Despite my love for working in this community, housing affordability has me worried about my longevity in this district. My family needs more space/backyard and that is too expensive for me to provide long term. Workforce housing would allow me the opportunity to stay.
* We needs to live closer to our job, and not be on the road all the ▒▒▒▒ time.
A lack of housing is a major life stressor for staff
* This would help me feel better and not have to be constantly worried about housing.
* I'd feel safer. Where I live right now it doesn't feel safe because the building is basically an alley where anyone can just walk through and hang out.
* It would give me a feeling of security and peace of mind.
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William Eger (he, his)
Chief Business Officer
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