By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The last Low Income Housing Tax Credits award made in Hays was in 2021 for Stonepost Apartments in the former Washington Elementary School on south Main Street.
The Hays Housing Needs Assessment, last completed in 2025, still shows a need for more low-income housing.
SEE RELATED STORY: Grow Hays housing report shows more apartments but still home shortage
The city has been approached recently by four affordable housing developers about prospective low-income projects that would be expected to apply for the tax credits.
During Thursday's work session, Hays city commissioners heard a proposal from Austin Kack, Overland Property Group, LLC, Kansas City, about planned construction of an affordable multi-family residential complex north of Interstate 70.
The $9-million Pioneer Run 48-unit project would be built west of the Hilton Garden Inn at the termination of West 45th Street, along with parking and internal improvements.
The developer is applying for Low Income Housing Tax Credits through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
The group, which built Stonepost Apartments, is also asking for industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) to obtain a sales tax exemption for all purchases related to construction.
Passage of a resolution of intent by the city commission to issue the IRBs would assist the developer in the tax credit competitive application process, Jarrod Kuckelman, assistant city manager, said.
"Out of of 100 points total, the margin often comes down to just one of two points between applicants," he said.
Commissioners also talked about possibly waiving development fees for the project, including building permit fees, water meter fees and water tap fees. Although Hays' fees are low compared to many other communities, waiving the fees, estimated at $10,000 to $15,000 for this project, would still add points to the tax credits application.
Commissioner Sandy Jacobs was hopeful more than one of the projects will be approved for the state's low income tax credits.
"I think it's a really big deal that four different developers are wanting to come here," Jacobs said. "They're very excited about what's happening here in Hays."
Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor, said the city's economic development policy with its incentives is "vital to a community our size to be able to continue to develop and grow. As long as we're using them wisely and effectively, they are valuable."
Both items were moved on to the April 23 city commission meeting for a vote.
Prior to the work session, Mayor Mason Ruder read and signed a proclamation marking the 50th anniversary of the Sister Cities partnership between Hays and Santa MarÃa de Fe, Paraguay.