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Topeka council waives utility fees for two LIHTC applications to boost affordable housing bids
Summary
On May 5 the council approved two ordinances to waive up to $40,000 each in utility connection fees to help two proposed projects (34 and 42 units) receive scoring points for the 9% low-income housing tax credit process. The actions prompted public concern about using readiness‑to‑serve/base utility funds to support fee waivers.
The Topeka Governing Body approved two home‑rule ordinances on May 5 to waive specified utility system and connection fees — $40,000 per project — for two proposed affordable developments seeking 9% low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC).
Leah Bowling, the city’s director of economic development, told the council the waivers are part of the 2026 Qualified Allocation Plan scoring approach administered by KHRC and would provide applicants with five additional points that can be pivotal in a competitive 9% tax‑credit round. “The applicant is applying for a low income housing tax credit 9% application through KHRC,” Bowling said. “A fee waiver is part of the 2026 QAP to provide the applicant eligibility for 5 additional points on…
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