Garden City is taking significant steps to address its housing needs following a recent city commission meeting held on December 3, 2024. The commission approved the release of a request for proposal (RFP) aimed at developing workforce housing, a key initiative aligned with the city’s goal of constructing 4,000 housing units by 2030.

During the meeting, city staff highlighted the importance of utilizing various federal and state programs to facilitate housing development. These include the United States Department of Agriculture rural housing programs and the Kansas housing investment tax credits. The RFP specifically targets the low-income tax credit program for 2025, which is designed to create affordable housing options for renters earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income.

Jeff Beckler, Vice President of Development for Zimmerman Properties, expressed his enthusiasm for the RFP, indicating that his company plans to apply. With a strong presence in Kansas, Beckler emphasized the importance of workforce housing and clarified that it is distinct from Section 8 housing, focusing instead on providing affordable options for working families.

The commission's decision to authorize the RFP was met with unanimous support, with Commissioner Winn volunteering to participate in the selection committee. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the city effectively addresses its housing challenges while fostering community growth.

As Garden City moves forward with this initiative, the implications for local residents are promising, potentially leading to increased availability of affordable housing and improved living conditions for many families in the area. The city is poised to make significant strides in its housing development goals, with the next steps in the RFP process set to unfold in the coming months.