Hays City Commission to review housing proposals, updated economic development policy
The commission will weigh land options for low- and moderate-income residential projects and finalize tax incentive rules.
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Sign up freeThe Hays City Commission is set to review two new housing initiatives during its Thursday work session, focusing on low- and moderate-income residential developments.
Epworth Village Inc., led by President Greg Daughhetee, is seeking a 15-month exclusive option through December 2027 to raise funds for a high-density, low-income housing project on a 2.1-acre city-owned property at 26th and Main streets. If the fundraising is successful and the city approves the design, the land will be donated to the nonprofit.
Additionally, the commission will consider a resolution of support for local contractor PWC Mgmt LLC, led by developer Matthew Allen. PWC recently purchased 7.2 acres north of Felten Elementary School to build a 30-unit single-family subdivision and is applying for a $600,000 Moderate Income Housing grant through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to provide down-payment assistance for 20 of those homes.
Commissioners will also review final revisions to the city’s Economic Development Policy, which dictates how local tax incentives are awarded. Based on feedback from a Sept. 3 work session, the updated draft retains the $250,000 minimum project cost threshold to qualify for a Community Improvement District, rejecting a previously proposed increase to $1 million.
The revised policy, presented by Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman, mandates a pay-as-you-go reimbursement structure for private, for-profit developers and explicitly caps the total amount of city economic assistance at 70% of a project's eligible costs. Following Thursday's review, city staff will seek final direction from Mayor Mason Ruder and the governing body to formally adopt the updated incentive guidelines.
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