The goal of this project is to address the growing need for workforce housing in the City of Bandon. The proposed workforce housing project was initiated in 2022 and designed to create more affordable housing for City and Bandon School District employees, as well as local businesses, ensuring that the very people who work to make Bandon thrive have the opportunity to live in the community they serve.

By addressing the lack of affordable workforce housing, this development supports City and District employees including police officers, administrators, teachers, support staff, and families who want to live, work, and raise their children in the Bandon community and attend local schools.

The City and School District gain the ability to attract and retain qualified employees to support the provision of City services and programs as well as District operations. Housing plays a vital role in attracting and retaining great employees. This project provides affordable housing options that will help the City and District recruit the best available employees while also retaining the talented staff who already serve the Bandon Community. It is an investment in maintaining the quality of services and programs provided by the City, as well as the education afforded to students of the School District.

The proposed workforce housing project will strengthen the connection between City and District employees and those who are entrusted to serve said employees will have a vested interest as members of the Bandon community who live, work and participate in local life.

A clear, objective and equitable system will be developed by the decision making bodies for use in selecting eligible and income qualified residents to purchase and/or rent future units in this workforce housing community. Additionally, deed restrictions will be recorded on each property to ensure the long-term affordability of the community remains in place over time.

This community is designed for middle-income residents, often called the “missing middle.” These are the backbone of the Bandon community including police officers, public works employees, administrators, teachers, public servants, healthcare workers, and small-business employees who are unable to afford a home to live in the very community they serve, often having to travel long distances to and from work every day.

A priority selection system will be established by the decision-making bodies with first priority given to City and School District employees.

Missing middle housing refers to homes intended for working families and individuals who earn too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing programs, but not enough to afford current market prices. It fills the gap between subsidized housing and high-cost ownership, supporting the local workforce and contributing to a sustainable, balanced community.