News & Insights

Funding readiness

CCCCO invites proposals for affordable student housing projects

Three key insights for California community colleges

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) has released a new memo (SH 25-01) inviting colleges to submit proposals for affordable student housing projects.

While this isn’t a call for immediate construction funding, it’s a critical step: the CCCCO is building a robust inventory of future-ready projects to strengthen its case for renewed state investment in upcoming budget cycles.

In short: this is about positioning your college for the next wave of funding.

Since the launch of the SB 169 grant program in 2021, B&D has worked closely with community colleges across California to navigate the state’s evolving approach to student housing. Based on that experience, here are three key insights to help institutions take full advantage of this opportunity:

1. Missed out on SB 169 funds? Stay visible.

If your college submitted a proposal under SB 169 but wasn’t funded, this is your chance to regroup and re-engage. The CCCCO is aiming to present a strong, systemwide pipeline of affordable housing projects. Colleges that participate now will be part of that strategic narrative—and that visibility could be critical when new funding becomes available. This is the time to:

• Refine your project vision

• Demonstrate clear student need

• Strengthen your overall proposal

2. Intersegmental projects are gaining traction

The CCCCO’s updated scoring criteria now prioritize projects that involve collaboration between community colleges and nearby CSU or UC campuses. These “intersegmental” efforts:

• Often move more efficiently into design and construction

• Reflect a statewide, cooperative approach to solving housing insecurity

• Have shown stronger momentum and greater funding success

If your institution is exploring a partnership like this, now is the time to showcase it.

3. Understand what “affordable” really means

In this context, affordability isn’t just about offering units slightly below market rate. It’s about reducing basic needs insecurity and serving students with demonstrated financial need. Make sure your proposal:

• Targets vulnerable student populations

• Clearly articulates how it meets true affordability standards

• Goes beyond capacity-building to address equity

What colleges need to do now

To be included in the CCCCO’s upcoming housing report to the Department of Finance and the Legislature, colleges must submit proposals by May 31, 2025.

This isn’t about being shovel-ready — it’s about being counted. A clear, compelling, and complete proposal today could determine whether your college is funded tomorrow.

How B&D can help

B&D is actively working with colleges across California to:

• Refine construction cost estimates

• Update housing operating models based on current market conditions

• Rapidly engage designers to create conceptual plans

If your college is preparing a submission, we’re ready to help you move strategically — and fast.

Michael Quadrino, LEED® AP, serves as a Director at Brailsford & Dunlavey, specializing in owner representation for PK-14 and higher education clients. With a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, he holds both LEED Accredited Professional and Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certifications. Michael’s expertise lies in methodical, data-driven decision-making, ensuring clients achieve their objectives through clear project planning and disciplined navigation of project challenges. His extensive experience includes managing over $300 million in projects across sectors such as university housing, PK-14 education, university athletics, libraries, office spaces, multi-family residential, and senior living. Michael can be reached at mquadrino@bdconnect.com.