City considers Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for Lincoln School conversion

Developer seeks sales tax exemption for Lincoln School housing project

Commission reviews tax credit support for Lincoln School fourplexes

Proposed benefit district would fund infrastructure for Tallgrass First Edition

Commission holds final 2027 budget discussion ahead of September public hearings

Hays celebrates 150th anniversary of Volga German arrival

'March to Main' event aims to connect local students with downtown businesses

42nd annual Fall Art Walk set to showcase downtown Hays galleries

City considers Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for Lincoln School conversion

HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission discussed establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the former Lincoln Elementary School during its Aug. 6 work session. Michael D. Graham Investments, LLC plans to convert the vacant school building into 26 to 28 rentable housing units and construct seven additional fourplexes on the property. A public hearing will be held next week before the commission votes on the RHID ordinance, which is a key statutory step in the property's redevelopment.

Developer seeks sales tax exemption for Lincoln School housing project

HAYS, Kan. — In addition to the housing incentive district, the Hays City Commission considered a resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds for the Lincoln School housing project during its recent work session. Approval of the resolution would grant Michael D. Graham Investments, LLC a sales tax exemption on construction materials, designed to assist with the financial costs of converting the former school into residential units and building new housing on the site.

Commission reviews tax credit support for Lincoln School fourplexes

HAYS, Kan. — Continuing discussions on the Lincoln School development, the Hays City Commission reviewed a resolution of support for a Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits application. Michael D. Graham Investments, LLC is applying for $840,000 in credits from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation's 2026 funding cycle to aid in constructing the project's seven new fourplexes. While the resolution of support from the local governing body is required for the application, all program requirements and funding liabilities will fall solely on Michael D. Graham Investments, LLC.

Proposed benefit district would fund infrastructure for Tallgrass First Edition

HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission discussed a resolution establishing a benefit district to fund the extension of streets, stormwater, water and sanitary sewer infrastructure for the new Tallgrass First Edition Phase 6 development. Landowner and developer GK Real Estate Development, LLC petitioned for the district, which will serve 24 lots and continue housing growth in the area south of 22nd Street and north of 17th Street and Tallgrass Drive. Special assessments for the district will be officially authorized after the infrastructure construction is complete.

Commission holds final 2027 budget discussion ahead of September public hearings

HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission held its final scheduled discussion on the proposed 2027 budget during its Aug. 6 work session. City staff presented necessary updates or changes stemming from previous meetings, while commissioners had a final opportunity to ask questions or request adjustments. Following this discussion, the budget will advance to the revenue-neutral and final budget public hearings scheduled for September.

Hays celebrates 150th anniversary of Volga German arrival

HAYS, Kan. — Communities across western Kansas continue to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Volga Germans' arrival with a series of historic and cultural events running through Aug. 9. Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Nikki Brown announced that the "Coming Home Week" festivities include a village picnic, historic exhibits, a commemorative book launch, polka dancing, Herzogfest in Victoria and a special heritage mass at the Basilica of St. Fidelis.

'March to Main' event aims to connect local students with downtown businesses

HAYS, Kan. — The "March to Main" event will bring local college students to downtown Hays on Aug. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to explore local shops, dining and entertainment. Students from Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central and Hays Academy of Hair Design will gather at the Quad and march to Main Street, where they can enjoy live music, free food, prizes and inflatable games as part of ongoing downtown community engagement efforts.

42nd annual Fall Art Walk set to showcase downtown Hays galleries

HAYS, Kan. — The 42nd annual Hays Arts Council Fall Art Walk is scheduled for Aug. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in downtown Hays. Visitors are encouraged to stroll the brick streets to explore various art exhibits and opening receptions while enjoying free entertainment at dozens of participating shops and local galleries.

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