Housing affordability is a critical issue in Johnson County and in larger metropolitan areas across the nation. Johnson County’s cost of living has grown by double digits across all household sizes since 2014 according to the Economic Policy Institute. Housing costs is a key component of this increase.

If these trends continue, will young adults and families be able to rent an apartment or buy a home? Will longtime residents be able to retire here? First time home buyers in my First Commission District are met with “sticker shock” when greeted with an average sale price well over $300,000 in some portions of my district and few homes available for under $200,000.

(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)

There are two different responsibility areas: state-mandated activities and basic community services. Some responsibilities might fall in both of those categories. For instance: sheriff’s office, jails, community corrections, district attorney office and district court services are state mandated but are also public safety services we cannot function without.

County treasurer, records and tax administration, appraiser’s office, department of motor vehicle, public health department, election office are other examples of state required services. The state government does provide funding for some of those services but in most areas, it requires significant local tax dollars.

(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)