(KAIR)--A year-long comprehensive statewide housing needs assessment—the first of its kind undertaken in 27 years—is nearing completion, and Kansans are invited to learn about preliminary findings in a series of regional community meetings, including one planned in Atchison this week.
The study identifies current housing needs and growth opportunities, including goals to guide the state’s future housing development efforts.
Interim Atchison City Manager Justin Pregont, in an email announcing the study, said he “was fortunate enough to serve on the statewide technical committee guiding the completion of this study and Atchison is fortunate enough to be hosting one of the public presentations of the results.”
Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, in a release, says with the information from the study, Kansas “can develop a data-driven approach to support growth and benchmarks” to track progress.
According to the release, Omaha-based consultancy, RDG Planning & Design, conducted the in-depth study over the past year. Analysis included a series of 71 virtual and in-person listening sessions with more than 425 community participants across the state, as well as meetings with housing stakeholder groups. Consultants conducted a statewide survey of more than 4,400 respondents and analyzed census data to develop a comprehensive picture of the state’s housing needs, current resources, and growth opportunities.
The findings revealed several key goals to address future housing needs, inlcluding: • Prioritize middle income housing • Diversify housing stock • Extend housing security • Reinvest in older housing stock, including vacant units • Address the building trades labor shortage • Extend existing human capital resources
Kansans are encouraged to learn more about the study’s results and how their communities can expand housing opportunities by participating in upcoming regional sessions, including a meeting planned Wednesday evening in Atchison. According to the release, that session will be held beginning at 5:30 in the USD 409 Community Room, located at 626 Commercial Street, in Atchison.
The release, which notes that the full report and recommendations will be published online following the statewide tour, explains that the state’s housing study was funded and administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the state’s housing finance agency.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Sabetha couple killed in Brown Co crash
Dean, assistant, secured for proposed BC med school
Registered drug offender returned to Atchison Co Jail
Injuries, damage averted in Sabetha house fire
Trump thankful for late Deputy's service, sends Brown Co letter
Spilled mower fuel blamed for Atchison fire
Two arrested after Humboldt search warrant
Flags to fly at half-staff in honor of fallen firefighters
Atchison man pleads not guilty to charges in Brown Co case
Former Atchison Co Commissioner passes at 97
Additional Nemaha County filings
Ceremony Tuesday for historic Lady Ravens victory
Richardson Co board conducts grievance hearing
Richardson County Board denies grievances
Atchison Memorial Hall future focus of May 13 mtg
Mayetta man faces child sex-crimes in Shawnee Co
Commencement Speaker named for MHMA
Doniphan Co rejects solar, wind energy regulations
Motorcycle awareness urged; Atchison Police plan safety event
LATEST STORIES
Mayetta man faces child sex-crimes in Shawnee Co
Annual activities planned for Saturday in Atchison
Holt County MO I-29 ramp project scheduled
Scrub -seal projects planned in NW Missouri
Richardson County Board denies grievances
Falls City Council approves bonds for added electrical capacity
Atchison man pleads not guilty to charges in Brown Co case