Novato Schools Review Employee Housing Development Plans
The school district is evaluating proposals to build rental housing units for staff members on two local properties.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Remote Work
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The Novato Unified School District is moving forward with plans to develop employee housing on the San Andreas and Meadow Park Annex sites. The project aims to improve staff recruitment and retention by offering rental units at 20% below market rate.
Why it matters
Local school districts frequently face challenges in recruiting and retaining staff due to high regional living costs. This housing initiative seeks to provide affordable options for educators and district employees.
The district aims to build 80 to 100 residences at the 26-acre San Andreas site and the 3.7-acre Meadow Park Annex. Current development options include configurations for 104 houses and 26 duets at the San Andreas location.
The players
Novato Unified School District
The public school administrative body managing operations and infrastructure for schools in the Novato area.
The details
A public benefit corporation will oversee management of the rental properties once completed. The district intends to fund construction at the Meadow Park Annex using proceeds from sales at the San Andreas site, with the district facilities fund receiving reimbursement from future rental income.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: District trustees met to review the proposed housing development plans.
November 9, 2026: The education workforce committee will meet to discuss the development plans.
January 26, 2027: Trustees are expected to meet for the official approval of the development plans.
Market Landscape
This development follows a trend where school districts act as residential developers to address regional staffing shortages. It reflects a shift in market share toward employer-provided housing in high-cost areas like Novato.
The project aims to provide affordable rental units for local school employees, potentially stabilizing staffing levels at area schools. Residents can expect ongoing discussions as the district prepares formal entitlement applications to the city.
The takeaway
Providing discounted rental housing may serve as a viable model for local institutions struggling to retain essential workers. Other districts experiencing high costs of living might monitor this project as a benchmark for public land utilization.
What happens next
The district has scheduled an education workforce committee meeting for November 9, 2026, followed by a board meeting for project approval on January 26, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the local impact of development on the Novato Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Marin Independent Journal.
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