A yearlong 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. The study identifies current housing needs and growth opportunities, including goals to guide the state’s future housing development efforts.
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.
Statewide Housing Needs Assessment Tour – Week Two
- Noon – Safe Child Center, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, 212 E. 5th St, Scott City
- 5:30 p.m. – Boot Hill Conference Center, 4100 W. Comanche Ave., Dodge City
Thursday, Dec. 9: South / Southeast
- Noon – Derby Public Library Community Room, 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby
- 5:30 p.m. – Holiday Inn, 3401 Blue Comet Drive, Chanute
RDG Planning & Design, an Omaha-based consultancy, conducted the in-depth study in conjunction with a team of state and community housing leaders. Analysis included a series of 71 virtual and in-person listening sessions with more than 425 community participants, 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. These findings revealed several key goals to address future housing needs:
- 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
The full report and recommendations will be published online following the statewide tour. Join KHRC’s mailing list and select “Housing Needs Assessment 2021” to be notified when the full report is available.
