Update on Faculty-Staff Housing Task Force

Dear 缅北禁地 Community,

I'm writing today to share updates on the Faculty and Staff Housing Task Force, which convened in 2019 prior to my appointment. Please see this report completed by the Task Force.

Acknowledging the considerable challenge posed by the high cost of living, especially housing, for our employees, I strongly agree with and support the Task Force's observations. Developing local workforce housing aligns with our long-term recruitment and retention goals at 缅北禁地. 

I'm pleased to report that we are in early stages of discussions about expanding workforce housing with key entities, including the City of Hayward, Hayward Unified School District, Chabot College, Hayward Chamber of Commerce, and BART. Our collaborative efforts are focused on creating an "Education Village" in Downtown Hayward. 

Envisioned as primarily workforce housing for educators working in Hayward, including faculty and staff/administrators, we also hope the development will feature artist work/live lofts, retail spaces, restaurants, and facilities for childcare and early childhood education. This holistic approach reflects our commitment to addressing housing challenges while fostering a vibrant and supportive surrounding community. As these partnerships significantly help reduce the financial risk for our university, it is unlikely that we will proceed with developing sites identified in the Task Force report on our own.

I want to thank former VP of Administration and Finance Debbie Chaw for chairing the task force committee as well as the following members:

  • Anna Alexander, History
  • Bhavesh Patel, Procurement
  • Danvy Le, Political Science
  • Ian Pollock, Art
  • Randyl Pamphlet, EOP
  • Satinder Malhi, Government and Community Relations
  • Arnab Mukherjea, Public Health

I appreciate your understanding as we navigate these complex initiatives and I look forward to updating you on our progress and dream of seeing you at a future a ribbon cutting for the Hayward Education Village.

 

Best regards,

Cathy Sandeen
President 

 

November 20, 2023