A Primer On Workforce Housing

Thanks to incentives and increased demand, some developers are find workforce housing a viable development option.

1 minute read

November 15, 2004, 5:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Unlike traditional suburban developments that average about six to 12 units per acre, a typical workforce housing development averages 25 to 40 units per acre, said Barry Curtis, principal planner for the city of Irvine. And prices average between $200,000 and $400,000.

Without such options, experts caution that teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses and other critical industry workers who are unable to buy or rent in the communities they serve will move away and take valuable social and economic resources with them.

...But workforce housing is not without drawbacks. Deed restrictions safeguard against speculative buying. Most programs limit appreciation by requiring resale to moderate-income buyers for select periods and stipulating that buyers live in the homes for certain time frames before resale."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Sunday, November 14, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog