State officials are seeking feedback from Kansans to help guide future housing development efforts. The initiative, part of the state’s first comprehensive housing needs assessment in nearly 30 years, aims to review current housing opportunities, identify strategic goals, and develop recommendations to guide future housing development. “We’ve long known that the state’s shortage of comprehensive housing data limits our ability to provide affordable homes for Kansans,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. “The feedback gathered through this study will be a crucial first step in identifying current needs and resources so we can ensure that every Kansas community has the housing needed to grow and thrive.” The study’s current discovery phase includes a series of public listening sessions and a statewide survey to gauge community and stakeholder input. Consultants will use feedback gathered throughout the discovery process to assess opportunities and set strategic housing goals. The project’s final phase involves developing a statewide housing plan and recommendations, with delivery anticipated by December 2021.
Learn more: KS Housing Corp.

The City of Salina Community Relations Division announced it, in partnership with Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, was awarded $3.1 million from Kansas Housing Corporation to assist Salinans who are at risk of eviction or who have lost housing. The community relations division said the funds are available through the Emergency Solutions Grant Program through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The funds can be provided to Salinans struggling to cover rent and utility payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with up to six months of emergency assistance available.
Source: Salina Journal.

The state’s revenue picture is projected to brighten slightly, giving Republican lawmakers more ammo in pursuing a range of potential spending items in the weeks to come — most notably a series of tax cuts long coveted by conservatives. The twice-annual updates to the state’s fiscal forecast announced Tuesday showed Kansas’ budget and economic standing improving after the COVID-19 pandemic, although officials cautioned it has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. “We certainly are progressing withcautiousoptimism,”Adam Proffitt, director of the budget office, said. “We think there is reason for optimism. The economy, certainly, is showing signs of improvement.”
Source: GC Telegram.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.