HOUSING FOR ALL
Housing the Monterey Bay Region
A Regional Strategy to Build More-Faster, Smarter, and for Everyone
MBEP is leading a bold, tri-county initiative to expand housing at all income levels. With 38,279 new homes needed by 2031, we are driving policy, investment, and partnerships to address one of the greatest challenges and opportunities-facing our region.
Why It Matters
Housing in the Monterey Bay region is out of reach for too many:
- $1.2M median home price in Santa Cruz County
- $925K in Monterey County
- $771K in San Benito County
- $3,500/month average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment
- 40% of residents are housing cost-burdened
This housing crisis is not just a social issue-it’s an economic Imperative. Without action, we risk losing the workforce that sustains our communities and industries.
Focus Areas
Unlock Capital for Housing Projects
Leveraging over $50 million through the Monterey Bay Housing Trust (MBHT) to finance affordable and workforce housing projects, MBEP continues to advance new housing developments across the tri-county region. To date, over 1,200 homes have been funded.
Invest in Housing
Help fund catalytic housing projects through the Monterey Bay Housing Trust
Build for All, In Every Community
We advocate for housing across all income levels, including:
- Workforce and farmworker housing
- Mixed-use development along transit corridors
- Affordable and market-rate projects
Partner with Employers & Industry
MBEP partners with business leaders, chambers, and public sector employers to:
- Sponsor workforce housing
- Retain and attract essential workers
- Build public-private housing solutions
Become a Housing Partner
Let’s co-create housing for the people who power our economy.
Advance Systems-Level Change
We advocate for policies and infrastructure investments that remove local barriers and increase affordability and accessibility. As part of state and national coalitions, MBEP helps shape the housing policies that shape California’s future.
Join the Policy Movement
Advocate for solutions that scale.
The Time to Act Is Now
MBEP is your trusted partner in building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous region. Whether you’re an investor, developer, funder, or civic leader, we invite you to co-invest in the future of housing across Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
Get Involved Today
Reach out to learn how you can help accelerate housing in our region.
Contact Matt Huerta, VP Community Development, MBEP
HOUSING ADVOCACY
Driving Solutions to the Region's Housing Crisis
The State of California is experiencing a housing crisis that impacts virtually every component of our local communities from low-income families who struggle to pay rent to major businesses seeking to recruit and retain qualified members of the workforce. The crisis is well documented, and has been compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.
MONTEREY BAY HOUSING TRUST
Increasing Access to Homes Through Strategic Funding
The Monterey Bay Housing Trust (MBHT) is a revolving loan fund sponsored by the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and Housing Trust Silicon Valley. The goal of this fund is to increase the supply of affordable housing for low-income households. MBHT loans can finance acquisition, pre-development or construction of affordable housing in the Monterey Bay Region, inclusive of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties.
EMPLOYER SPONSORED HOUSING
Employer-Led Housing for a Stable Workforce
Employers are increasingly playing a larger role in the welfare of their employees. In addition to health care benefits, retirement plans and wellness programs, some employers have raised the bar and created much-needed, affordable homes for their employees. MBEP applauds these creative and innovative efforts that provide benefits for the company, the employees and the community.
HOUSING ELEMENTS
Demystifying Housing Elements for a Stronger Future
A Housing Element is a required component of every city and county’s General Plan in California. It serves as a blueprint for how communities will plan for and accommodate housing development and growth over an eight-year period. Each jurisdiction must identify existing and projected housing needs, establish goals and policies to meet those needs, and outline concrete steps to achieve its goals.