Housing

Plentiful and affordable housing is critical to the Kansas City region because it impacts access to jobs and education, economic development, and our quality of life. While housing has long been seen as an asset in the metro, many communities are raising concerns about housing challenges.

Together with local leaders and stakeholders, the Mid-America Regional Council is working to identify a collaborative path forward that addresses regional housing challenges and possible solutions.

Regional Housing Partnership

In partnership with LISC Greater Kansas City, MARC convenes and coordinates the Regional Housing Partnership to build an effective housing system that expands and sustains access to affordable housing and promotes regional prosperity to result in better economic and health outcomes. The partnership is mobilizing individuals and organizations to enact systems-level change around the goal of creating and preserving more homes of greater variety and at different price points across the region.

Partnership focus

The Regional Housing Partnership studies, plans, supports and facilitates the preservation and creation of affordable housing units while strengthening the capacity of civic infrastructure to address housing challenges on an ongoing basis.

The work of the partnership focuses on seven elements of an effective affordable housing system. These elements interact to enhance the ability of all persons and families in the region to access safe, affordable and quality housing.

The seven elements are:

  1. Market data and analytics.
  2. Networked leadership.
  3. Financing and development tools.
  4. Production capacity.
  5. Rental and ownership support systems.
  6. Supportive public policy.
  7. Public engagement and support.

Homelessness

MARC supports the Homelessness Management Information System for the Johnson County Continuum of Care.

The HMIS provides local agencies that serve individuals experiencing homelessness an information system to record and report the services provided. The HMIS also allows agencies to coordinate services, evaluate performance, ensure accountability in the use of public funds and inform public policy.

Homelessness Management Information System

Other regional efforts

MARC is driving regional efforts to strengthen the housing system.

Two suburban homes in Prairie Village, Kansas

First Suburbs Coalition

The First Suburbs Coalition was formed to bring together communities to work together, share information and forge a larger partnership between the public and private sectors. It has initiated a number of successful programs, especially to promote housing remodeling in member communities.

Older woman in wheelchair in accessible home

Remodeling for Accessible Homes Idea Book

This guidebook offers ideas and cost ranges for modifying an existing home to accommodate the needs of all ages to live more safely and independently while maintaining family and community activities.

People buying items at downtown Overland Park farmers market

KC Rising

MARC supports KC Rising's work around the Neighborhood pillar, stressing the importance of healthy, safe and attainable housing options that allow people to build better futures. As our city grows, it must stay within reach for the people we will need to fuel our aspirations and our culture, regardless of their income level. Kansas City's neighborhoods need dedicated strategies that provide a true range of quality choices for our residents to live, work and play.