California Community Colleges Urge State Investment in Affordable Student Housing in Governor’s May Revise
05/18/2026
California Community Colleges are urging state leaders to prioritize affordable student housing in the Governor’s May Revise budget proposals, citing growing housing insecurity among the system’s 2.2 million students. Education leaders and advocacy organizations are calling for expanded investments. These proposals suggest investing $1.1 billion statewide lease revenue bond for affordable student housing, broader community college eligibility in statewide housing bonds, and the inclusion of student housing in future education facilities bonds.
Nearly three in five California community college students have experienced housing insecurity, while one in four report experiencing homelessness. These challenges disproportionately affect low-income students, foster youth, veterans, parenting students, and students of color.
The issue is especially relevant for students at the Riverside Community College District (RCCD), where many students balance rising housing costs, transportation expenses, employment, and family responsibilities while pursuing higher education. Housing instability often forces students to reduce course loads, delay graduation, or leave college entirely.
RCCD conducted student housing surveys between 2020 and 2022 and found that among more than 2,100 students surveyed, 25 percent experienced housing insecurity and 18 percent experienced homelessness within the previous year. In response, RCCD developed four affordable student housing grant applications, including projects at Moreno Valley College, Norco College, Riverside City College, and a joint intersegmental project with the University of California, Riverside. In 2023, the District received $75 million in state funding to partially fund the North District II student housing project.
Moreno Valley College’s proposed project would provide 280 affordable beds for qualified low-income students at an estimated cost of $63 million, while Norco College’s proposed project would provide an additional 280 beds at an estimated cost of $65 million. Although RCCD’s 2024 application for Moreno Valley College housing was not approved, the District continues advancing its housing efforts.
The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office recently announced a new application cycle, with submissions due July 1, 2026. RCCD is preparing to resubmit the Moreno Valley College application and plans to pursue a Norco College application in the following cycle. While no new funding has been identified yet, the Chancellor’s Office is accepting applications to support future state funding advocacy for the 2027–28 fiscal year.
Supporters note that California community colleges currently have nearly 35 shovel-ready housing projects awaiting funding statewide, representing more than $2.14 billion in unmet need. Community college leaders maintain that investing in affordable student housing remains one of the most effective ways to advance educational equity, strengthen workforce development, and support California’s future economic growth.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications