Wichita residents and housing experts spoke about housing issues in the city Monday night. The Wichita Journalism Collaborative, which KSN is part of, hosted the event. A panel took questions from the audience and discussed the need for more homes in the community. The panel consisted of: Danielle Johnson, Executive Director of Wichita Habitat for Humanity, Dr. Stanley Longhofer, Professor and Director of Wichita State University Center for Real Estate, Pete Najera, President and CEO of United Way of the Plains, and Sally Stang, Director of Housing and Community Services for the city of Wichita. The housing inventory in Wichita dominated the discussion at the community listening session. The city estimates that our area needs up to 50,000 housing units, both affordable and otherwise, to meet the housing needs of our community. Longhofer says some of the need could be addressed with smaller twin homes, duplexes or townhomes, which could require zoning changes. He also said it is important to renovate housing in the community. “As we find solutions and as we develop new affordable housing, how are we making sure that housing stays quality in the future and we’re maintaining it,” said Longhofer.
Source: KLC Journal
