Hays City Commission Summary
Week of October 9, 2026
Commission supports grant application for Felten Elementary housing project
City officials to review housing needs assessment following saturation concerns
Proposal suggests pushing back meeting times to boost attendance
Support expressed for Sternberg Museum fundraising pivot
Hays community surpasses $400,000 goal during Heartland Give Fest
Date set for long-awaited Water Transfer Panel hearing
City advocates for rural Kansas at open public forums with candidates
Commission supports grant application for Felten Elementary housing project
HAYS, Kan. — The commission voted 5-0 to approve a resolution of support for PWC Management LLC's application for a $600,000 Moderate Income Housing grant. PWC Management LLC plans to build 30 single-family, owner-occupied homes on a 7.2-acre property north of Felten Elementary School. If awarded by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the state funds will provide down payment assistance for 20 of the proposed units.
City officials to review housing needs assessment following saturation concerns
HAYS, Kan. — Following a debate regarding the influx of new housing developments, city staff plan to conduct a deeper dive into the city's housing needs assessment. Prompted by questions raised during the meeting about potential market saturation and property value impacts, assistant city manager Jarrod Kuckelman and City Manager Toby Dougherty's office will evaluate whether upcoming residential lots in the pipeline are on track to satisfy or exceed the demands identified in the city's most recent assessment.
Proposal suggests pushing back meeting times to boost attendance
HAYS, Kan. — In response to recent fluctuations in public attendance at Hays City Commission meetings, a suggestion was made to consider moving city sessions to an evening schedule. The current meeting times often conflict with traditional 9-to-5 working hours, potentially preventing engaged taxpayers from attending and speaking on critical local issues.
Support expressed for Sternberg Museum fundraising pivot
HAYS, Kan. — Public support was expressed at the commission meeting for Fort Hays State University's potential to avert the proposed closure of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, amid talks that $1 million could be raised within a year to address funding challenges. Community members and local leaders have highlighted the opportunity for the private sector and community groups to secure the museum's future following the university's difficult financial announcements.
Hays community surpasses $400,000 goal during Heartland Give Fest
HAYS, Kan. — Local organizations benefited heavily from residents' generosity this week, as the annual Heartland Give Fest reportedly surpassed its $400,000 fundraising goal. The local fundraising success was highlighted alongside high turnout for community events like the Oktoberfest parade and local homecoming celebrations, commending the continued generosity of Hays residents.
Date set for long-awaited Water Transfer Panel hearing
HAYS, Kan. — The state's Water Transfer Panel has scheduled a hearing for Nov. 3 regarding the city's long-term R9 Ranch water supply project. City officials announced the milestone during this week's meeting, describing the upcoming hearing as a major step in a years-long process to secure the region's water future, though pending litigation remains.
City advocates for rural Kansas at open public forums with candidates
HAYS, Kan. — Advocacy for Hays and rural Kansas was a focal point as city representation met with candidates for the Kansas governor's office and the U.S. House of Representatives 1st District at an open public forum. During the recent campaign events, the importance of state and federal leaders recognizing the infrastructure and economic needs of western Kansas alongside the eastern half of the state was heavily emphasized.
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