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Casper Housing Authority reports recent purchases, new tenant services and LIHTC compliance priorities
Summary
The Casper Housing Authority told council it bought Wyoming National Apartments for $1.7 million to preserve affordable units, added senior housing at Saint Anthony’s Manor, introduced tenant services (mobile pantry, case management) and emphasized LIHTC compliance and ongoing demand—about 10.2% of residents lack affordable housing access.
Kim Summer, identified in the meeting as the executive director for the Casper Housing Authority, briefed the council on acquisitions, tenant services and compliance priorities.
Summer said the authority and the city purchased Wyoming National Apartments on Dec. 1 for $1,700,000; the property includes 46 light‑tech units and four commercial spaces. She said the authority secured the building, upgraded to key‑fob entry, improved back‑alley security and refurbished the large common area (former bank lobby) to provide seating, a trading library and a family space to foster tenant community.
Summer also described the takeover of Saint Anthony's Manor in downtown Casper to add senior housing with dining and a community kitchen, and the launch of a mobile pantry delivering food and meal‑assembly assistance to residents who have difficulty traveling to a food bank. She said the authority now operates several properties designed to support tenants toward stability and self‑sufficiency.
On financing, Summer reviewed Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), including long‑term affordability restrictions and federal compliance (noting projects must meet income and rent tests to avoid credit recapture). She told council LIHTC is now permanent and stressed the importance of compliance. Summer said Casper Housing Authority serves only about 1% of Natrona County's population in its housing programs while an estimated 10.2% of residents need affordable housing but lack access.
Councilors asked detailed questions about Roosevelt and North Casper School properties, the Urban Thistle Farm project, voucher use, and how vouchers can be applied to private rentals. Summer said the authority is able to place vouchers with private landlords (acting as a passthrough for about $4,000,000 annually) and has integrated supplemental programs (including VA VASH coordinators in the housing office) to speed placements for veterans.
What happens next: councilors and staff discussed continued outreach and education to address community questions and concerns; the authority said it will keep providing presentations and partner with state agencies and networks for training and compliance.
