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Manhattan – Week of May 11 2025

Public Transit Funding; Housing Incentive District; Lincoln Parking Rules; Childcare Regulations; Homeless Shelter Funding

Greg Loving

• 4 min read
Manhattan – Week of May 11 2025

Public Transit Faces Rising Costs, Seeks Increased Funding

Commission Advances Housing Incentive District for LK Town Homes

City Finalizes Lincoln Education Center Parking Rules After Resident Objections

Homeless Shelter Voices Concerns Over Federal Funding Stability

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Contact: greg@loql.ai

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Kansas at War I

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Public Transit Faces Rising Costs, Seeks Increased Funding

The Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency (aTa Bus) presented its 2026 budget, requesting a 15% increase from its local funding sources, including Riley County. This significant request is driven by several challenges: an aging fleet with vehicle replacement costs having more than doubled (from approximately $70,000 to $150,000 per vehicle), the need for new software to potentially implement more on-demand "micro transit" services, and the critical ongoing issue of driver recruitment and retention, which necessitates offering more competitive wages. The agency emphasized that increased local investment is crucial for leveraging additional state and federal matching funds to maintain and improve transit services for the region.

Riley County

Commission Advances Housing Incentive District for Little Kitten Avenue Homes

The City Commission voted to set a public hearing for May 20, 2025, regarding the establishment of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the proposed LK Town Homes project by Frontier Development Group. The project aims to build 26 duplex units (13 buildings) near Little Kitten Avenue, providing workforce housing with units targeted for individuals and families earning between 60% and 150% of the area median income. The developer is requesting just under $2 million in RHID incentives over 15 years for the nearly $9 million project, citing a current net loss of almost $37,000 per unit without the incentive. Discussions touched upon the project's financing, the state's Moderate Income Housing grant received by the developer, the need for such housing, potential drainage concerns in the area, and the statutory process which gives the county and school district a 30-day window to veto the RHID after its potential approval. Commissioners also discussed coordinating with the county and school board, who have previously expressed support for the project.

City of Manhattan

City Finalizes Lincoln Education Center Parking Rules After Resident Objections

City commissioners have now settled the Lincoln Education Center parking question that drew heated public comment on April 15. Residents had protested USD 383’s plan to ban street parking along 9th and 10th Streets—citing hardship for nearby homeowners and confusion over “No Parking” signs the district put up prematurely—prompting the commission to pull Ordinance 7745 from the consent agenda and table it for more study . After staff and district officials clarified the signage plan and trimmed the restrictions, the ordinance returned on May 6 and passed unanimously (5-0). It formally designates a school-bus loading zone on the east curb, creates 24-hour “No Parking” segments nearest driveways, and limits the remaining curb space on both 9th and 10th Streets between Poyntz and Pierre to “No Parking 7 a.m.–5 p.m. on school days,” bringing the block in line with the city’s other established school zones.

City of Manhattan, Manhattan Mercury

The Commission received an update on the recently signed House Bill 2045, which introduces significant changes to childcare licensing in Kansas. Key among the changes is the legalization of unlicensed childcare for up to four children for a maximum of 35 hours per child per week, a substantial increase from the previous limit of two children for a combined 20 hours. The bill also reduces qualification requirements for program directors and lead teachers and alters professional development training hours. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on childcare quality and safety, with some licensed providers reportedly considering becoming unlicensed. The Health Department noted the reinstatement of KBI application and background check fees, previously covered by federal dollars, adding another financial consideration for providers.

Riley County

Homeless Shelter Voices Concerns Over Federal Funding Stability

The Director of the Manhattan Emergency Shelter outlined the agency's budget request while also highlighting significant uncertainty regarding future federal funding streams, primarily those from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While specific grant programs like a new regional rental assistance initiative and funding for a case manager are currently planned, their actualization is precarious due to potential shifts in federal priorities and funding availability. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funds, previously available through FEMA, have been confirmed as discontinued. The shelter director expressed that while they have reserves and a revolving loan to manage short-term disruptions, long-term sustainability heavily relies on these federal grants, as state funding for homeless shelters is non-existent in Kansas.

Riley County

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Sources

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jygZCNyuivk
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWQ7NJfCJKQ
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWQ7NJfCJKQ
  4. https://www.manhattanks.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062025-61
  5. https://themercury.com/news/city-officials-advance-unger-rezoning-despite-outcry-from-citizens/article_f3084df8-c8db-4ffd-ba6b-c7ffa04b6945.html
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jygZCNyuivk
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jygZCNyuivk

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