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County manager presents two-year landlord incentive pilot report: 176 families assisted, program to continue
Summary
County Manager Penny Post Oak Ferguson summarized a two-year final report on the landlord incentive pilot: 176 families housed, 55 new landlords recruited, and the program recognized by the National Association of Counties. Commissioners asked follow-up questions about wraparound services and federal funding stability.
County Manager Penny Post Oak Ferguson on Feb. 6 summarized the two-year final report for Johnson County’s landlord incentive pilot program, saying the program "assisted 176 families with accessing affordable housing units and recruited over 55 new landlords to rental assistance programs over the 2 years." The county will continue the pilot.
Ferguson noted the program was recognized by the National Association of Counties and credited county housing staff and partner agencies for the results. She identified Jay Leipzig, director of planning and development; Heather McNeese, director of housing services and executive director of the Johnson County Housing Authority; Jessa Molina, landlord liaison; and Megan Sparks, epidemiologist, as staff who prepared or supported the report.
Commissioners and staff discussed program details. Commissioner Allen Brand asked about wraparound services to help participants stabilize—employment, training and other supports—and urged stronger connections to workforce and other services. Commissioner Brewer highlighted data showing landlord concerns about tenant damage were largely unfounded; county staff reported only one request to use the damage-deposit incentive fund during the pilot period and said 90 percent of landlords who participated indicated they would not have participated without the incentive. Housing Services Director Heather McNeese explained the county submits monthly Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) expenses to HUD for reimbursement and that Section 8 was identified as exempt from a recent federal funding pause; she said the program receives monthly reimbursements and that the county had received its scheduled payment following the guidance.
Commissioners commended staff for expanding landlord participation and for decreasing barriers to voucher use; some requested additional outreach to seniors and more data on outcomes and funding sustainability. The board received the report and directed staff to continue the pilot and provide periodic updates.
