Hays commission to review bonds for Tallgrass housing, 54-unit Lincoln School project
City leaders will consider infrastructure financing and a public hearing to advance high-density apartment plans during Thursday's work session.
HAYS, Kan. — The Hays City Commission is set to advance major housing initiatives at its work session Thursday, including a proposal to transform a vacant elementary school into 54 multifamily apartments.
Commissioners will consider setting a public hearing to establish a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for the former Lincoln School site. The school is approximately 100 years old. The high-density infill project, spearheaded by Hays developer Michael Graham, aims to bring additional housing to the city using an incremental property tax financing model, in which new property tax revenue generated by a development is used to fund associated public improvements rather than flowing immediately to general government coffers.
The commission, led by Mayor Mason Ruder, will also review a resolution authorizing general obligation bonds to finance public infrastructure for Tallgrass Phase 4, an eastward housing expansion developed in partnership with Heart of America Development Corporation. Revenues from a previously established incentive district would be used to retire the debt for the neighborhood's new water, sewer and street lines.
In other business, commissioners are expected to approve the city's 2026-2027 property and liability insurance renewal. Staff is recommending a flat-rate proposal from current carrier Midwest Public Risk over a competing bid.
The date, time and location of Thursday's work session were not immediately available. Residents are encouraged to check the city of Hays website or contact city hall for meeting details. Agenda materials are on file with the city.
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