Applications for affordable housing for SF educators open

San Francisco's first affordable housing development for educators and school district employees is on track to open this fall, with applications open as of Tuesday.

Why it matters: The city is notoriously unaffordable and teachers have said their pay is inadequate to live in San Francisco, contributing to some retention issues .

Driving the news: Applications for the Shirley Chisholm Village , an affordable housing development for San Francisco Unified School District employees, will remain open until April 23.

• The 135-unit development, on 43rd Avenue in the Outer Sunset, is the city's first 100% affordable housing project for SFUSD employees.

What they're saying: "If we want to keep families in San Francisco, we need more housing and we need good public schools," District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio, who represents the Sunset District, said in a press release.

• "Good schools require teachers, and teachers need a place to live," he said, noting that the project "is essential for our city to thrive."

Zoom in: The rental units are a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, which are available for households earning up to 120% of the area median income.

• Last year, 120% of the AMI was $121,000 for a household of one and $172,900 for a household of four, according to the mayor's office.

Context: A mid-career SFUSD teacher had an annual salary of $89,000 a year as of 2022, compared with a $147,000 annual salary for a mid-career teacher in Mountain View, which has seen increased property tax revenues over the years, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

• SFUSD teachers in October reached an agreement with the school district that includes a $9,000 salary increase for the current school year, as well as an additional 5% raise for next school year.

What to watch: There are two more affordable educator housing projects on the way, with residents expected to be able to move in beginning in 2026.

• The one near Hayes Valley will be available for renters, while the one in the Mission will offer below-market-rate homes for purchase.

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