The Housing Authority’s innovative Workforce Housing Program is designed to address the affordable housing needs of our community’s low to moderate income workforce who are increasingly caught in the gap between skyrocketing rents and ineligibility for other assistance.
The Housing Authority is committed to providing affordable housing to make it possible for more people to live where they work, in Santa Barbara. This approach benefits people who can keep transporation and other costs to a minimum, and have more time to spend with family, education, or career development. And benefits us all by minimizing the impact of commuting on our environment and quality of life in Santa Barbara.
In many ways, the Housing Authority serves our workforce throughout all of its properties. The majority of our non-senior residents are working families – participating and contributing to our workforce, our economy and our community.
Workforce Housing Details
- The Workforce Housing Program was created for individuals who are gainfully employed in the south coast of Santa Barbara.
- All units are located within the City of Santa Barbara.
- Unit sizes range from studio to 2-bedroom.
- Priority is given to residents of Santa Barbara and U.S. Veterans.
Workforce Housing Types
The Housing Authority owns and manages approximately 250 workforce units, divided into three types based on income and eligibility restrictions:
Restricted Boundary/Downtown Workforce
Essential Workforce
Middle Income/Open Market Workforce
Restricted Boundary/Downtown Workforce
- Units only available to persons employed within specified boundaries in Santa Barbara (see boundary map here)
- Fixed monthly rents – No subsidy
- Studio and one-bedroom units
- Preference given to applicants who do not own, lease or regularly use a vehicle
- Rent amounts vary depending on the property/unit offered and household income
- No waiting list – all new vacancies are advertised locally (Craigslist, etc.) – see below for current vacancies
| Household Size | Minimum Income | Maximum Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25,000 | $70,050 (80% AMI) |
| 2 | $25,000 | $86,496 (120% AMI) |
General Workforce
- No employment location restrictions
- Fixed monthly rents – No subsidy
- Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units
- Rent amounts vary depending on the property/unit offered and household income
- No waiting list – all new vacancies are advertised locally (Craigslist, etc.)
| Household Size | Minimum Income | Maximum Income 80% AMI | Maximum Income 120% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $35,000 | $70,050 | $122,920 |
| 2 | $40,000 | $80,050 | $140,480 |
| 3 | $45,000 | $90,050 | $158,040 |
| 4 | $50,000 | $100,050 | $175,600 |
| 5 | $55,000 | $108,100 | $189,648 |
Middle-Income/Open Market Workforce
- Units target those employed with incomes up to 160% AMI
- No waitlist maintained – new vacancies are advertised until filled
- MORE INFORMATION
| Household Size | Minimum Income | Maximum Income (160% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30,000 | $140,000 |
| 2 | $35,000 | $160,000 |
| 3 | $40,000 | $180,000 |
| 4 | $45,000 | $199,840 |
| 5 | $50,000 | $215,840 |
Current Vacancies
A tour of the Housing Authority’s Workforce Housing developments:
