ASHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT HOUSING INITIATIVE
(Ashland Attainable Housing Project)

Have other school districts supported building affordable housing?
School districts all over California have created affordable housing to support their teachers and staff. The California School Board Association has recently completed a comprehensive resource page (found here) reflecting the efforts.
Additionally, Bend-Lapine and Sisters school districts in Oregon and Eagle County SD in Colorado have initiated housing projects

How is this housing project being paid for?
Sunstone, working on behalf of and in agreement with Ashland School District, has facilitated the feasibility and RFP process exclusively through grant funding from AllCare and the City of Ashland.

The selected developer, Edlen & Co., will acquire and manage the capital funding through OHCS grants, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Bond financing through the Northwest Community Housing Trust as well as LIFT funding granted to Trusted Homes Community Land Trust for affordable homeownership. Such funding establishes permanent affordability for the resulting development.

Who will own the land?
Sunstone will provide administrative support as needed to complete a DDA (Disposition and Development Agreement) between developer or partnership of developers and the Ashland School District. The requirement for sale or lease of the land at market rate value ensures the Master Plan is adhered to, as well as deed restrictions for affordability, which honors the requirements of the school district to provide housing for income-restricted families and staff.

Sunstone will not own any part of the land or have financial gain to be made from the sale or lease of the land.

Who will qualify to live in the new housing?
The housing will be available to ASD staff, as well as individuals and families with household income at or below 120% AMI. (AMI=Area Median Income). The goal is to directly support the needs of families attending or working in the Ashland School District, however, the primary qualification for this housing will be the household income. We have reached out to Oregon’s Fair Housing Council to ensure our marketing meets the requirements as well as the spirit of Fair Housing laws and intend to use their feedback as the project moves forward.

What types of housing will be built, how many units?
Preliminary plans offer a total of approximately 75-100 housing units with a combination of apartments, townhomes and cottages. Sizes ranging from studio to 3 bedroom. Some units may have private patios or fenced yards. The exact composition will build upon the Master Plan Draft and be determined through a community led design process facilitated by Arkitek Design and Architecture.

How will this affect traffic in the area?
The property is in close proximity to bus stop, bike path and within walking distance to schools. As part of the pre-development process required by the city of Ashland, a traffic analysis will be conducted to ensure that the safety and flow of the neighborhood are maintained.

What amenities will be available?
The all new construction aims to include LEED certified energy efficient appliances, solar offset electricity, Ashland Fiber Internet, fire resistant outer wall panels and roofs, and universal design accessibility standards.  
Shared space goals include multi-purpose community room with kitchen, easy access bike storage, garden plots, auxiliary storage rental options, children’s play space and on-site early learning childcare program. 
Details will be explored through the community led design process and defined in the Master Plan.

Will there be only rentals?
Stable rentals and affordable ownership options will be available to meet residents where their needs and lifestyle intersect.
The development team is working diligently to ensure incorporation of Trusted Homes Community Land Trust for affordable homeownership options.

SUNSTONE HOUSING COLLABORATIVE

What is the role of Sunstone Housing Collaborative?
The bylaws of Sunstone and MSA with the Ashland School District exhibit that the role of Sunstone is to maintain oversight and provide administrative support through the completion of the Ashland School District housing initiative, as well as provide follow up documentation of associated increase in enrollment and housing of district staff.

Do Sunstone’s board members receive compensation for their work or have personal financial interests in the project?
All of Sunstone’s board are members of the community voluntarily serving the goal of supporting development of affordable housing on behalf of the mission-driven landholder. (In the case of this first project, it is for the benefit of the Ashland School District)

How are Sunstone’s operational
expenses paid ?
Our financial support comes exclusively through generous grant funding from:

Is Sunstone a housing developer?
Sunstone works closely with a land owner to steward a housing project to fruition, but is not a developer.
An RFP (request for proposal) process is facilitated by Sunstone, in partnership with the land owner, to communicate their goals and priorities and select a developer team that best fits the specific needs of their project and community. It is not within Sunstone’s scope to own or manage property.