Park City council renews housing incentives, approves $200,000 for 2026

The Park City Council voted Jan. 13 to continue its suite of housing incentive programs and approved a $200,000 allocation for 2026 from the general fund.

City staff outlined four programs: a new homebuyers incentive that includes an initial payment (between $2,500 and $5,000 depending on purchase price) plus a reimbursement of a share of the city portion of property tax for up to five years; an exterior grant program; an exterior paint program; and a driveway improvement program. Sean told the council the city received 32 applications in 2025 for the homebuyers incentive, with initial incentive payments totalling $109,500 and three additional applications pending (about $10,000). He said the city’s remaining liability for prior recipients’ tax reimbursements (from 2024) is approximately $114,000 and the city’s potential future liability for the 32 properties is approximately $253,000 if all recipients claim the full reimbursement.

"I would consider [this] the most aggressive or gracious home incentive buyer program in all of Sedgwick County," Sean said, noting other nearby jurisdictions use different structures for incentives. Staff recommended continuing all four programs for 2026 but suggested the council consider reducing the property-tax reimbursement portion from 75% to 50% or less when budgeting for 2027.

Council member Jim Schroeder moved to approve $200,000 for the housing incentives for 2026; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously (8-0). The vote authorizes continued outreach and payments under the existing program rules for the current year. Council directed staff to continue tracking applications and reimbursements and to bring budget recommendations for 2027 that account for program growth and potential liability.