Photo By Giancarlo Casem | Col. Brad Bucholz, 412th Civil Engineer Group commander, briefs 412th Test Wing...... read more read more
Subscribe
As a first step toward solving the critical housing shortage at Edwards AFB, the 412th Civil Engineer Group hosted a “Housing Sprint” workshop with representatives from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Installation and Environment, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Air Force Civil Engineer Center and Mayroad private housing, Jan. 12-15.
The workshop included first-hand accounts of Airmen who have faced nine- to twelve-month waitlists for on-base housing. The delay brings high costs for temporary lodging and the difficult dilemma of whether to continue waiting, or buy or rent in either unsafe or more desirable areas far from the base. Leaders warn these conditions directly affect quality of life, recruitment, retention and ultimately, mission success.
Two-fold mission growth during the last three years has fueled the need for a larger workforce, driving an increased focus on the housing shortage. The test portfolio at Edwards is expected to double again as major aerospace defense programs reach the developmental test phase.
To support these missions, Edwards leadership projects an increase of more than 800 civilian employees and more than 300 active-duty Airmen by 2028. Current housing capacity, however, falls well short of demand.
As of 2022, the Headquarters Air Force Housing Requirements and Market Analysis identified the base required an additional 119 family homes and 307 dormitory rooms for military members alone. By 2028, military housing needs are expected to rise to 140 homes and 371 dorm rooms. The need for both military and civilian employee housing has far outpaced growth in available units on base and throughout the Antelope Valley.
A lack of residential development near the base is both a blessing and a curse according to Col. Brad Bucholz, 412th Civil Engineer Group commander.
“The remoteness of Edwards has allowed us to sharpen American airpower through test,” Bucholz said. “But that same remoteness strains our ability to hire and retain the highly-skilled workforce we require.”
A tight local market, long commutes, the growth of major aerospace manufacturers and other industrial growth near the base have combined to create a critical housing shortage.
Compounding the problem, many lower-cost housing areas closer to base have been cited in media and government reporting as having elevated crime rates as high as twice the national average. This further limits safe, affordable options for lower-compensated workers, according to Bucholz.
Long-Term Decline in On-Base Housing The housing shortage for military members is rooted in decades of reductions of on-base units. Between 1994 and 2011, the number of on-base family housing units dropped from 1,989 to 741 as aging homes were demolished and replaced with new modern homes targeting roughly 10% of the military population. Similarly, dormitory capacity declined from 758 rooms in 2001 to just 365 rooms by 2025. The reduction was focused on providing newer modern living units to the Airmen.
Searching for Solutions
Short term solutions discussed at the workshop included converting underutilized transient lodging facilities into unaccompanied Test Pilot School Dorms, a redevelopment of FamCamp through the construction of tiny homes - approximately 100-400 to 600 sq. ft. (one and two bedroom options), and 50 RV spaces and temporary modular housing units for unaccompanied Airmen. Long term solutions targeted the construction of 3 new dormitories, an officer/SNCO dorm targeting unaccompanied Test Pilot School Students, and new military family housing.
An innovative solution Bucholz brought to the table from his time as the Joint Staff Engineer at the Pentagon involves the establishment of an enhanced use lease to allow for a new housing community to be developed on Federal land near the base boundaries. This parcel would be leased to a private developer to build, maintain and rent housing units to base members, including civilians. Ideally, it will include a mix of town homes, apartments, and single-family homes for all stages of life. The community would include a community center, retail space for shopping and restaurant options, recreational space, swimming pool, and parks.
“The proposals briefed all require more work,” said Hugo Via, 412th CEG installation management division chief. “Participants need to further develop the options and work together to resolve hurdles.”
The Housing Sprint is only the first step in tackling a problem that, if left unresolved, could hinder Team Edwards and the Air Force’s ability to deliver victory…forged by test.
| Date Taken: | 01.28.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 01.28.2026 14:20 |
| Story ID: | 556979 |
| Location: | EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 412th CEG holds housing workshop to tackle housing crunch, by Giancarlo Casem, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
