New Report Shows More Workforce Housing in Marin Will Boost Jobs and Revenues

Every day, more than 61,000 people who have jobs in Marin commute from outside the county, and every day they drive home over $1.4 billion in purchasing power, according to “Driving Home Economic Recovery," a report released today by Live Local—a special initiative of the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH), an affordable housing group, and Greenbelt Alliance, an environmental group. The report suggests Marin’s in-bound commuters are driven away by lack of affordable housing, and that creating more housing choices for just one percent of them, or 610 households, would prevent $14 million in annual consumer spending from draining to nearby counties. The report cites that those new revenues would support 97 new jobs in Marin. Additionally, during the construction or renovation of 610 homes, Marin County would see another $28 million infused into local economies and 181 construction-driven jobs created.

“This report quantifies some of the community consequences when there isn’t enough housing affordable to workers,” said Dianne Spaulding, Executive Director of NPH. “Neighboring counties are offering more housing options affordable for Marin workers than Marin does. Suddenly, ‘passing the buck’ takes on a whole new meaning as Marin workers drive their paychecks home elsewhere. Marin is missing out on jobs and revenue that it could really use right now.”

Anthony Taylor, a resident of Homeward Bound’s Next Key transitional housing in Novato, shared his firsthand experience with this challenge. Taylor said, “I struggled to turn my life around until Homeward Bound gave me new culinary skills and stable housing. I’m about to graduate from the program and want to start my catering business in Marin but don’t know if I can find an affordable place to live in Marin. I may have to move to Vallejo and commute back to Marin. I just want to be able give back to the community that helped me.”

The report highlights that housing is getting built in Marin, just not enough of the right type. Marin's economy has shifted to lower-paying retail and service sector jobs, such as teachers, in-home health aides, childcare workers, and restaurant servers. However, this shift in the economy was not matched by home production priced for modest-wage workers. For people who earn $80,000 or more per year, there is more housing being built than is needed by that workforce segment. But for a majority (54%) of in-commuters who earn less than $40,000, there is a shortfall between housing supply and demand.

“When workers’ wages are compared to what it costs to rent or buy a home in Marin versus other communities, it’s no wonder that many of the county’s workers live elsewhere,” said Rob Eyler, Ph.D., of Marin Economic Forum, which provided the independent economic research and analysis for the report.

“What is clear from the findings in this report is that Marin has within its reach the ability to strengthen our communities, accelerate job growth, and reduce congestion on Highway 101,” said North Bay Leadership Council President, Cynthia Murray. She continued, “And it’s feasible without putting all the strain on any one segment of our society. Our employees do not have to suffer long commutes, nor do our business owners need to miss out on revenue.”

“Without new tax revenues from businesses, Marin’s local governments will continue to struggle to sustain public safety, education, and other basic services that support Marin’s quality of life,” said Robert Hickey, NPH’s Marin Program Manager. “Jurisdictions have an opportunity now through their housing element updates to do something about this. When we enable more people with roots in Marin to live closer to where they work, Marin businesses win, and Marin communities win.”

Click here to download full report.

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ABOUT LIVE LOCAL
Live Local seeks to protect the environment and Marin’s economy by making it easier for people with strong roots in the community to live closer to where they work. It is coordinated by NPH and Greenbelt Alliance with funding from the Marin Community Foundation. (http://www.livelocalmarin.org)

ABOUT NON-PROFIT HOUSING ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH) works to advance affordable housing as the foundation for thriving individuals, families and neighborhoods. As the collective voice of those who support, build and finance affordable housing, NPH promotes the proven methods of the non-profit sector and focuses government policy on housing solutions for low-income people who suffer disproportionately from the housing crisis. (http://www.nonprofithousing.org)

ABOUT GREENBELT ALLIANCE
For 50 years, Greenbelt Alliance has been the San Francisco Bay Area's advocate for open spaces and vibrant places, with offices in San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek, San Rafael, and Santa Rosa. (http://www.greenbelt.org)