← Back to All Petitions
Housing
Initiative 25-0018A1
UC Staff Down Payment Home Loans
Initiative Statute
What This Does in Plain English
Buying a home in California is extremely difficult — especially for workers who earn middle wages. This measure would require the University of California to give no-interest down payment loans to eligible staff employees who want to buy their first home. The loan would cover 20% of the purchase price, with no interest charged.
The Problem It's Solving
- California home prices are among the highest in the nation, making down payments out of reach for many workers.
- UC employs tens of thousands of non-faculty, non-managerial staff — custodians, food service workers, administrative staff — who often cannot afford to live near the campuses where they work.
- Long commutes and housing instability hurt worker retention and quality of life.
What Changes
- Who qualifies: Non-faculty, non-managerial UC employees who are first-time homebuyers with at least 5 years of UC employment.
- Loan amount: 20% of the home purchase price — interest-free.
- No interest: Unlike a bank loan, this would cost the employee nothing extra over time.
- First-time buyers only: Must not have previously owned a home.
Who Is Behind It
Funded and championed by AFSCME Local 3299, the union representing UC service and patient care workers — one of the largest unions at the University of California.
Who It Affects
- UC custodial, food service, grounds, and other service staff
- University of California system finances (the loans would come from UC funds)
- California housing markets near UC campuses
Arguments For
- Helps lower-wage public employees achieve homeownership in one of the nation's most expensive markets.
- No-interest loans are a meaningful, tangible benefit for workers who keep UC campuses running.
- Could improve recruitment and retention of essential UC staff.
Arguments Against
- Diverts UC funds from academic and operational priorities.
- Benefits are limited to one employer's workforce, not the broader housing crisis.
- Program administration could be complex and costly.
Fiscal Impact
Direct cost to the University of California system depending on loan uptake. The UC would need to set aside funds for loans, which are expected to be repaid over time without interest, creating an opportunity cost.