Workforce housing project in Carson funded through Cal Cities-sponsored bond agency’s new program

The project will guarantee that one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will be restricted for households earning less than 80, 100, and 120 percent of the area median income (AMI). 

 

An affordable housing property has been acquired for middle-income residents in the city of Carson from the issuance of more than $215.6 million in tax-exempt bonds through the California Statewide Communities Development Authority’s (CSCDA) new Workforce Housing Program. The project will assure available housing for those that earn too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing, but cannot afford to live where they work.  

About Union South Bay Apartments 

Constructed in 2020, the Union South Bay Apartments in Carson provides a 357-unit, multifamily residential rental community containing 28,785 square feet of retail space and 772 parking spaces. The property includes clubhouse lounge, entertainment kitchen, conference room, indoor/outdoor bar, fitness center, rooftop deck, dog washing station, 24/7 package lockers, bike storage, courtyard, resort-style swimming pool, and spa.  

The project will guarantee that one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will be restricted for households earning less than 80, 100, and 120 percent of the area median income (AMI). 

CSCDA partnered with the city of Carson and others in connection with the acquisition of the project and issuance of $215,685,000 in tax-exempt Essential Housing Revenue Bonds.   

About CSCDA’s Workforce Housing Program  

Since its beginning, CSCDA has financed the construction or preservation of nearly 100,000 affordable units throughout California. Despite these efforts, affordable housing for all income levels remains in short supply.  

Workforce housing is intended for those that have been termed the "missing middle" – individuals and families that earn too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing, but not enough to afford market-rate rents in the communities where they work.  

Workforce housing is for middle-income or moderate-income individuals and families typically earning between 80 percent and 120 percent AMI. Unfortunately, workforce housing is not eligible for tax credits, private activity bonds, or most other federal, state, or local government subsidies. 

Through CSCDA's Workforce Housing Program, government bonds are issued to acquire market-rate apartment buildings. These properties are then converted to income and rent-restricted units for moderate and middle income households. Annual rent increases are capped at no more than 4 percent, which is less than the rent limits under AB 1482, the recently adopted state tenant-protection legislation. Additionally, no existing tenants are displaced under the program. 

The League of California Cities’ co-sponsorship of CSCDA continues to be a significant benefit for Cal Cities members. CSCDA has issued more than $63 billion in tax-exempt bonds for projects that provide a public benefit by creating jobs, affordable housing, healthcare, infrastructure, schools, and other fundamental services. 

CSCDA is a joint powers authority created in 1988 and is sponsored by Cal Cities and the California State Association of Counties. More than 530 cities, counties, and special districts are program participants in CSCDA, which serves as their conduit issuer and provides access to efficiently financed, locally-approved projects.  

Visit CSCDA’s website for additional information on the ways in which CSCDA can help your city.