Resident urges action on rising costs as city explores housing incentives and land‑bank work

A Pratt resident used the public‑comment period on Aug. 18 to press the city for action on housing affordability as staff described ongoing work to promote housing development.

Beau Bolen told the commission he has lived in Pratt his whole life and said recent tax and utility increases have made it difficult for younger residents to afford to stay. "You all have raised taxes. You all have raised utilities...I'm looking at having to move or rent out my house just so I can keep that property," Bolen said, urging commissioners to pursue measures that lower the cost of living and retain young people.

City Manager Gina responded during staff reports that the Pratt Area Economic Development Corporation (PAEDC) and the land bank are focusing on dilapidated houses and incentives to encourage new multi‑family construction. She said staff has discussed potential replatting for multifamily units (duplexes or townhomes) and that PAEDC may offer a dollar or percentage incentive for new builds of more than two units. Gina said staff and local partners would continue to explore options and meet with developers who worked on earlier phases of local housing projects.

The exchange linked a resident’s affordability concerns with staff efforts to incentivize housing supply; commissioners heard the public comment and received updates from staff without taking immediate policy action during the meeting.

The commission asked staff to continue work with PAEDC and to return with policy or program proposals for future meetings.