The Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality is taking significant steps to address the workforce crisis in the education system, which includes a shortage of teachers and kindergarteners. As part of these efforts, the municipality has decided to allocate all housing units designated for affordable housing to education professionals, which has reduced opportunities for other eligible populations. The new program includes unique eligibility conditions for education professionals, such as the absence of a prior residency requirement in the city and a family income not exceeding the seventh decile.
Under the program, education professionals will be able to compete for about 550 apartments, with apartments not approved for them being transferred to other eligible individuals. These apartments are offered at a price of 3,800 shekels per month, providing a significant discount compared to the average rent in the city. The municipality plans to add about 10,000 affordable housing units over the next decade, but so far, there has been only moderate growth in the apartment inventory. This move aims to improve the quality of life for education professionals and retain staff in the municipal education system.