News Summary
The City of Irvine has launched the Office of Health & Wellness to boost affordable housing initiatives. This new office aims to expand access to social services while promoting housing strategies and is recruiting a Housing Manager. The position requires significant experience in housing policy, with a salary range of $132,329.60 to $206,190.40. Additionally, a redevelopment project is underway to convert an office space into affordable housing, contributing to Irvine’s goal of increasing housing units for lower-income families.
City of Irvine Launches Office of Health & Wellness, Seeks Leadership for Affordable Housing Initiatives
The City of Irvine, with a population approaching 320,000, has commenced significant efforts to enhance its affordable housing initiatives through the establishment of the new Office of Health & Wellness. Launched in 2023, this office will function under the City Manager’s Office, focusing on broadening access to essential social service programs while aligning them with the city’s affordable housing strategies.
A critical component of this initiative is the recruitment of a new Housing Manager, who will take a pivotal leadership role in shaping Irvine’s affordable housing landscape. The city is actively seeking a visionary and collaborative leader with extensive experience in housing policy. Ideal candidates are expected to possess strong relationship-building skills and a strategic mindset to foster partnerships and guide team efforts.
The requirements for the Housing Manager position include a Bachelor’s degree and at least six years of experience in affordable housing and policy planning. Candidates must also have a minimum of three years of supervisory experience to qualify. The position offers a salary range between $132,329.60 and $206,190.40, depending on qualifications and experience, in addition to competitive benefits. Applications can be submitted online, and the recruitment for this position will close on August 10, 2025.
Affordable Housing Redevelopment Project
In parallel with the launch of the Office of Health & Wellness, a joint venture between USA Properties and the Irvine Community Land Trust is planning to redevelop an existing office property at 2400 Barranca Parkway into an affordable multifamily community. The project, covering approximately 69,870 square feet, will create around 150 units of affordable housing, contingent on securing financing and exploring options such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).
The ongoing project aims to ensure that the average median income for future residents will remain under 50 percent, thus catering primarily to lower-income families. This redevelopment is aligned with Irvine’s broader goal of increasing housing availability, as outlined in the city’s 2045 General Plan, which aims to add 57,656 new residential units, with approximately 15,000 units planned specifically within the Greater Irvine Business Complex Area.
Market Context for Affordable Housing
The downtown redevelopment site is located just about 2 miles from the newly planned housing units, positioning it favorably within the city’s layout. The Irvine Community Land Trust acquired the office building for $26.5 million from Gemdale USA, with the sale brokered by Institutional Property Advisors, who represented both the seller and the buyer.
As of February, over 8,600 units of housing were underway in Orange County, including approximately 750 fully affordable developments. Analysts forecast that affordable housing deliveries in the region are likely to peak in 2025, although they are expected to lag behind national trends. Historical trends have seen successful conversions of various properties for affordable housing, including past initiatives like a project by Jamboree Housing Corp., which transformed a motel in Santa Ana into 89 affordable units.
These efforts represent a comprehensive strategy by the city of Irvine to improve living conditions for all residents, particularly those in need of affordable housing solutions, as it navigates its growth and development in the coming years.
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Additional Resources
- MultiHousing News
- OC Register
- Los Angeles Times
- Orange County Business Journal
- KOST 103.5 LA Local News
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Irvine
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- Google News: Irvine California Housing
