City reviews first major affordable housing study since 2018

Shrinking household sizes drive demand for thousands of new units

Housing shortage deemed a structural crisis, not a temporary spike

Residential building permits drop to lowest levels in over a decade

Housing values outpace incomes, pricing out middle-class buyers

Most Lawrence renters cannot afford fair market rent, study shows

Property taxes burden landlords, driving up rental costs

Commissioners push for density and 'missing middle' housing

City to combat 'NIMBYism' and community opposition to housing

New strategy targets physical accessibility for aging population

City reviews first major affordable housing study since 2018

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Lawrence Planning Commission received a preview of the city's updated affordable housing market study, the first comprehensive look at local housing trends since 2018. Funded by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CARES Act grant, the study by consulting firm Development Strategies aims to provide concrete, actionable goals rather than just identifying existing problems. The final report, which will be integrated into the updated "A Place for Everyone" plan, is scheduled for presentation to the Lawrence City Commission in June.

Shrinking household sizes drive demand for thousands of new units

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Changing demographics in Douglas County are shifting the local housing market, as household formation is growing faster than the overall population. Development Strategies consultant Andy Pfister pointed to a rise in smaller households alongside a post-pandemic recovery in the University of Kansas student population. To keep up with that demand, the study estimates Lawrence will need thousands of new housing units over the next decade, with annual production needing to increase substantially.

Housing shortage deemed a structural crisis, not a temporary spike

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Development Strategies consultant Andy Pfister warned commissioners that the local housing shortage is a structural issue requiring systemic policy changes rather than a temporary, pandemic-era spike. A key driver of the shortage is a lack of developable vacant lots within the city limits, with some remaining parcels constrained by floodplain issues. To combat this, the study indicates the city must evaluate proactive land readiness, preservation of existing housing stock and the complex issues surrounding future annexation to unlock land for development.

Residential building permits drop to lowest levels in over a decade

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Despite steady population pressures, new housing construction in Lawrence has slowed significantly in recent years. Residential permitting has trended downward since 2018, contributing to tight vacancy conditions, intense market competition and rising rents and sale prices.

Housing values outpace incomes, pricing out middle-class buyers

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Home values in Lawrence have risen sharply since 2020, outpacing household incomes and putting homeownership further out of reach for many middle-income residents. The study found that households at common affordability thresholds can buy far less home than the city's recent sale prices would require, leaving a substantial share of households priced out of the ownership market.

Most Lawrence renters cannot afford fair market rent, study shows

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Rental costs are taking a heavy toll on Lawrence residents, with a majority of renter households unable to afford the city's fair market rent for a two-bedroom unit without being cost-burdened. Development Strategies consultant Andy Pfister said many of the county's faster-growing occupations, including lower-wage service and support jobs, do not pay enough to comfortably cover prevailing housing costs.

Property taxes burden landlords, driving up rental costs

LAWRENCE, Kan. - While renters face soaring costs, property owners also reported financial strain during the housing study's public engagement phase, citing tenant turnover and rising expenses. Landlords noted that property taxes are a major cost and can contribute to higher rents for tenants. The observation aligns with broader findings from the study's public outreach sessions, in which property owners cited rising operating costs as a factor in rent increases.

Commissioners push for density and 'missing middle' housing

LAWRENCE, Kan. - During the housing presentation, planning commission members advocated for increasing density through "missing middle" housing, such as duplexes, triplexes and accessory dwelling units. Commissioners said reducing zoning friction and diversifying the housing stock will be important to meeting the needs of smaller households and residents priced out of single-family construction.

City to combat 'NIMBYism' and community opposition to housing

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Community opposition and "NIMBYism" were identified as major roadblocks to housing development during public engagement sessions. Developers and residents reported that the local permitting process can be slowed by neighborhood pushback against new projects. In response, one of the strategic goals outlined in the study focuses on educating the public with factual housing data to reduce friction and improve the approval process for subdivisions and apartment complexes.

New strategy targets physical accessibility for aging population

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Ensuring housing is physically accessible for disabled residents and an aging population is a major pillar of the proposed affordable housing strategy. Development Strategies consultant Andy Pfister recommended incorporating universal design standards and accessibility features into housing policy, particularly for developers receiving public funds or incentives. The plan also calls for expanded retrofit and rehabilitation programs to help existing residents safely age in place.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us