Anaheim’s prominent hotels, including major establishments within the Disneyland Resort, are taking a new approach to the region's housing affordability challenges. The Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) has launched what hotel executives describe as the nation’s first industry-funded program to help hotel employees purchase homes in the city. This initiative aims to assist workers with significant home loans and emergency housing aid, drawing funds from fees paid by hotel guests.
The program is a direct response to Orange County’s housing affordability crisis, which hotel executives hope will address struggles with recruiting and retaining employees in an expensive housing market. Paul Sanford, CEO of Anaheim-based Wincome Hospitality and a member of the ATID housing committee, described the hotels involved as "pioneers" in this effort. He also noted the importance of looking out for those who have worked hard and making a difference given the cost of living in Orange County.
More than 90 hotels and motels participate in the ATID, including major names like Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, The Westin Anaheim Resort, and JW Marriott. These hotels will contribute to the program through a 2% assessment on hotel stays, collected in addition to the city’s existing 15% bed tax. Historically, the ATID generates more than $30 million annually, with about one-third allocated to marketing and promotions via Visit Anaheim, and the remainder supporting transportation and other tourism-related programs.
Starting this year, 9% of ATID assessment revenue will be specifically directed toward workforce housing. This new allocation is expected to provide approximately $3 million annually to the program, depending on hotel revenue, as confirmed by city of Anaheim spokesperson Mike Lyster. About $1.5 million is currently set aside for the workforce housing program.
The program prioritizes two main areas: down-payment assistance for home purchases and emergency aid for rent, utilities, and security deposits. For the homebuyer program, eligible hotel workers earning up to 120% of Orange County’s area median income—which ranges from $116,000 for a single person to $174,600 for a family of four—could qualify for a loan of up to $100,000 to purchase a home in Anaheim. Workers earning between 120% and 150% of the area median income, or up to $207,000 for a family of four, could receive up to $50,000 in down payment assistance.
The emergency housing assistance component would provide eligible workers with up to $5,500. This assistance could cover up to $5,000 for overdue rent and $500 for utilities, or up to $5,000 for a security deposit on housing within Anaheim.
The median home sale price in Anaheim currently stands at about $967,000, and approximately $1.21 million across Orange County, according to Redfin. These figures underscore the significant affordability challenges faced by hospitality workers in the region.
Program requirements, such as the duration an employee must work at an ATID hotel to qualify, are still being developed by city officials. Discussions have included requirements ranging from 90 days to a year, depending on the specific benefit. City spokesperson Mike Lyster clarified that once a homebuyer loan is provided, it would not be withdrawn or changed if the employee later leaves the hotel.
Hotel owners are planning to begin outreach efforts in November. While still under development, Mr. Sanford expressed his hope that this program could serve as a model for other hospitality industries and tourism markets. He also issued a challenge to other communities and business sectors to follow their lead in addressing similar housing challenges.
