MidPen Housing and its public partners have secured significant funding from the California Strategic Growth Council to develop three major transit-oriented sites. The grants will facilitate the construction of 362 affordable homes across San José, Alameda, and Watsonville. These projects are designed to integrate high-quality housing with substantial improvements to local transport infrastructure.

The funding comes via the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program. This initiative uses Cap-and-Invest dollars to lower greenhouse gas emissions while improving access to employment and education. MidPen, a prominent non-profit developer in Northern California, will lead the developments alongside various municipal partners.

In San José, a $49.3 million grant was awarded for the VTA Capitol Station project. This development will provide 203 rental apartments, including 51 units for formerly homeless individuals. The plan involves converting an existing parking lot into an all-electric building and a transit plaza. It also includes over two miles of protected bike lanes and new bus shelters.

The Stardust Gardens project in Alameda received $44.5 million. Working with the Alameda Point Collaborative, MidPen will build 80 family homes. A unique aspect of this project is the inclusion of electric ferry charging infrastructure to support zero-emission sea travel. The Watsonville Metro project was awarded $39 million to create 79 homes situated above a modernised bus station, enhancing regional connectivity with new bike boulevards and pedestrian safety features.

“These new housing investments — coupled with transportation improvements — will make a real difference for families across California,” said Erin Curtis, Executive Director of the California Strategic Growth Council. “These projects give people greater opportunity — shorter commutes, lower costs, less stress and stronger connections to work, school, daily needs, and each other.”

Matthew O. Franklin, President and CEO of MidPen Housing, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming work. “MidPen applauds the Strategic Growth Council for these crucial investments in affordable housing paired with extraordinary transit infrastructure for California communities,” he said. “We’re eager to move forward with our partners in San José, Alameda, and Watsonville to create 362 new homes close to jobs and transit.”

Local officials have welcomed the investment as a vital step in tackling the regional housing crisis. San José Councilmember Pamela Campos noted that the VTA project facilitates mobility and access to transit. Meanwhile, Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft highlighted the importance of on-site services for residents. The projects represent a coordinated effort to link environmental goals with social housing needs.