State Housing Leaders Welcome Public Input
State officials are seeking feedback from Kansans to help guide future housing development efforts.
The initiative, part of the state's first comprehensive housing needs assessment in nearly 30 years, aims to review current housing opportunities, identify strategic goals and develop recommendations to guide future housing development.
“We've long known that the state's shortage of comprehensive housing data limits our ability to provide affordable homes for Kansans,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. “The feedback gathered through this study will be a crucial first step in identifying current needs and resources so we can ensure that every Kansas community has the housing needed to grow and thrive.”
The study's current discovery phase includes a series of public listening sessions and a statewide survey to gauge community and stakeholder input. Consultants will use feedback gathered throughout the discovery process to assess opportunities and set strategic housing goals. The project's final phase involves developing a statewide housing plan and recommendations, with delivery anticipated by December 2021.
Community members are encouraged to share their input three ways:
Complete the Kansas Statewide Housing Needs Assessment online survey, available in both English and Spanish.
Participate in their region's public listening session. Sessions will be held in person and virtually.
- April 21: South Central – Newton
- April 27: Johnson and Wyandotte Counties
- April 28: Southeast – Iola
- April 29: North Central – Salina
- May 4: Southwest – Dodge City
- May 13: Sedgwick County
- May 18: Northeast – Manhattan
- May 19: Shawnee and Douglas Counties
- May 27: Northwest - Colby
Visit the Kansas Statewide Housing Needs Assessment webpage to learn more and spread the word.
Governor Laura Kelly, noting the state's shortage of quality, affordable housing and need for comprehensive data, announced the study's launch in December. The state's Office of Rural Prosperity and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state's housing finance agency, manage the project. RDG Planning & Design, a consulting group with extensive housing experience in Kansas, was chosen to lead the study through a competitive RFP process.
(Information courtesy Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.)