Santa Cruz Educator Housing

Affordable housing that helps retain educators in one of California’s most expensive regions.

EHDD, in partnership with Bogard Construction and Studio Vara, is designing a new affordable educator workforce housing development in Santa Cruz to address the region’s urgent teacher retention crisis. In a community where housing costs are among the highest in the country, the project aims to ensure that educators—critical members of the workforce—can afford to live near the schools and communities they serve.

The development includes 100 rental units in a four-story, multi-family configuration, offering a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. This variety of unit types is designed to support educators at different life stages, whether single professionals or families. The architectural approach embraces Santa Cruz’s unique coastal setting, with an emphasis on environmental sensitivity, local materials, and inviting shared spaces that promote a sense of belonging.

The site is located with proximity to schools, transit, and essential services, reinforcing the goal of minimizing commutes and deepening community ties. Communal amenities and outdoor gathering areas support neighborly interaction and long-term resident engagement, while the project’s sustainable design aligns with Santa Cruz’s environmental priorities.

This housing initiative is more than just a response to affordability—it is a commitment to equity, workforce stability, and the broader well-being of the Santa Cruz education system.