City of Hays Press Briefing
Week of June 17, 2026
Developer proposes converting former Lincoln School into housing
Commission to consider Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for Lincoln School
Hays precipitation deficit nears three inches as drought persists
Hays offers $3,000 rebates for water-saving turf conversions
Developer proposes converting former Lincoln School into housing
HAYS, Kan. - Local developer Mike Graham plans to convert the former Lincoln Elementary School into one- and two-bedroom apartments. Graham's proposal for the site also includes the construction of seven fourplexes on the surrounding property. The project aims to add significant rental inventory to the Hays housing market, breathing new life into the vacant school building.
Commission to consider Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for Lincoln School
HAYS, Kan. - The Hays City Commission will review a resolution Thursday to set an August public hearing for a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) at the former Lincoln School. Mike Graham is requesting the RHID on a pay-as-you-go basis to assist with the substantial infrastructure costs associated with converting the site into multifamily housing. Approval of the resolution by the commission marks the necessary next step in the RHID approval process.
Hays precipitation deficit nears three inches as drought persists
HAYS, Kan. - Despite recent rains, drought conditions are persisting in Hays, according to recent updates from the Agricultural Research Center–Hays. The city has received 8.4 inches of precipitation so far this year, trailing the end-of-June average of 11.3 inches. City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman warned that upcoming hot, dry and windy weather could further exacerbate the region's drought conditions if no additional rain falls.
Hays offers $3,000 rebates for water-saving turf conversions
HAYS, Kan. - The city of Hays is offering rebates of up to $3,000 for residents who convert well-maintained, cool-season turfgrass to drought-tolerant alternatives. The program pays $1 per square foot for replacing Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue with warm-season grasses like buffalo and bermuda, or with water-smart landscaping beds. Residents must contact the city to complete a mandatory pre-inspection before beginning any turf removal.
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