Governor Kelly Highlights Efforts to Expand Affordable Housing at Kansas Housing Conference

Governor Laura Kelly joined the Kansas Housing Corporation for the 18th Annual Kansas Housing Conference in Overland Park August 23 to highlight her administration's efforts to expand affordable housing in Kansas.

The conference gathers housing professionals from across the region to explore trends, innovations and solutions to housing issues.

"I've said that the north star of my second term is to make Kansas the best place in the nation to live, work and raise a family. The availability of affordable, accessible housing is a cornerstone of that goal and a critical issue that affects everyone in the state," said Governor Kelly. "My administration is working every day to make it easier for families to rent or buy homes, provide funding to housing developers across Kansas and rehabilitate older structures in rural communities."

Earlier this year, Governor Kelly announced nearly $10 million to expand housing for elderly and disabled Kansans. The funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council to address housing issues faced by these high-need populations.

In April, Governor Kelly signed Senate Bill 17, bipartisan legislation to expand access to the Rural Housing Incentive District Act statewide. This gives local governments in both rural and urban areas a tax abatement tool to work with developers to address housing shortages and revitalize Kansas' main streets.

In the past year, Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) has been able to build or rehab more than 3,000 houses through the creation of new tools and the expansion of existing ones to increase housing availability.

"As KHRC celebrates 20 years of unlocking homes, we're pleased to mark this milestone with Governor Kelly and over 700 stakeholders at the Kansas Housing Conference," said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of the Kansas Housing Corporation. "Quality, affordable housing is key to community development, economic expansion and vibrant families. The Kelly administration and Kansas Legislature have made historic investments to start addressing our state's housing needs. The conference allows attendees to explore innovative solutions as we roll out these investments to communities across our state."

(Information and photo courtesy Office of the Governor.)