Lawrence Affordable Housing Advisory Board Summary
Week of May 15, 2026
State tax credit caps complicate affordable housing financing
Falling federal tax credit prices strain local housing budgets
Downtown housing project at 711 New Hampshire secures state tax credits
Housing board pushes back on mayor's rolling application proposal
Board rejects proposal to fund city staff with housing trust tax
City-owned land near police station identified for affordable housing
Vacant platted lots near Oak Hill Cemetery eyed for development
Board explores Riverfront Mall parking garage for downtown housing
Deed restriction eliminates Peterson Park from housing consideration
State tax credit caps complicate affordable housing financing
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A $25 million cap on the Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credit passed by the Kansas Legislature has significantly slowed housing development statewide, according to a presentation by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. KHRC director of housing development Deanne Engstrom told the Affordable Housing Advisory Board that the state tax credit cap has made affordable housing financing more difficult in 2026, particularly for projects relying on 4 percent tax credits. Production statewide dropped from 2,600 new homes funded in 2024 to 1,600 in 2025.
Falling federal tax credit prices strain local housing budgets
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Affordable housing developers are facing tougher financing gaps as the market value of federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits has dropped to between 70 and 75 cents on the dollar. A Kansas Housing Resources Corporation housing development manager explained that a flood of available credits and broader economic factors have softened the market, meaning developers receive significantly less equity for their projects than in previous years.
Downtown housing project at 711 New Hampshire secures state tax credits
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A proposed downtown housing development at 711 New Hampshire St. has secured Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through the state, Kansas Housing Resources Corporation officials confirmed. While the project received state approval for the credits, city staff clarified during the meeting that the city has not yet made final local decisions regarding the granting of municipal land or the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for the site.
Housing board pushes back on mayor's rolling application proposal
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Affordable Housing Advisory Board unanimously requested a study session with the Lawrence City Commission after expressing skepticism over Mayor Brad Finkeldei's recommendation to accept Affordable Housing Trust Fund applications on a rolling basis. Currently, the city uses an annual competitive cycle. Board members argued that moving to a rolling schedule eliminates competition among projects and risks funding developments on a first-come, first-served basis, rather than prioritizing developments based on community impact and quality.
Board rejects proposal to fund city staff with housing trust tax
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Affordable Housing Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend the Lawrence City Commission reject a budget proposal that would use the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to pay for city housing personnel. Board members expressed frustration over the potential shift, stating that taxpayers approved the special sales tax specifically to fund brick-and-mortar housing units, not to cover administrative overhead or staff salaries. Board member Mark Buhler strongly criticized the idea of redirecting the taxpayer funds, arguing it would be a betrayal of the voters' intent.
City-owned land near police station identified for affordable housing
LAWRENCE, Kan. — An Affordable Housing Advisory Board research working group has identified a city-owned parcel behind the West Lawrence police station near Wakarusa Drive and Eisenhower Drive as a prime location for future affordable housing. Board member Monte Soukup noted the site has existing road access, utilities and alignment with surrounding development, making it a low-risk, viable option for the city to develop four to six single-family lots.
Vacant platted lots near Oak Hill Cemetery eyed for development
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Twelve historically platted, city-owned lots adjacent to the Oak Hill and Mount Calvary cemeteries are being evaluated for affordable housing development. An Affordable Housing Advisory Board research group highlighted that the East Lawrence area already features nearby utility access. The development would require extending several streets and realigning 12th Street to support new residential construction.
Board explores Riverfront Mall parking garage for downtown housing
LAWRENCE, Kan. — As the city prepares to acquire the Riverfront Mall through a recent settlement, Affordable Housing Advisory Board members pitched an innovative downtown revitalization concept: attaching affordable housing units to the south side of the existing two-story parking garage. The conceptual project would use 40 to 50 feet of space between the garage and the railway easement, potentially allowing residents to enter their units directly from their parking spaces.
Deed restriction eliminates Peterson Park from housing consideration
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The southern half of Peterson Park has been ruled out as a potential site for a municipal land donation project because of a 20-year deed restriction. The property, originally gifted to the city by Hallmark Cards for use as a park, cannot currently be developed. City staff noted that Hallmark previously indicated it was not interested in lifting the restriction.
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