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Affordable Housing in Kansas City: LIHTC Program's Impact on Urban Housing Landscape
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Kansas City, Missouri has a significant inventory of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The LIHTC program has contributed to the development of 12,140 total units, with 10,255 designated as low-income units. This accounts for approximately 6.2% of the city's estimated housing inventory of 195,114 units, falling short of the 15-20% target for affordable housing.
The LIHTC program has invested substantially in Kansas City's affordable housing, with project tax credits totaling $27,059,624. This equates to an average of approximately $77,313 per project and $2,229 per unit in federal funding. Kansas City holds 7.72% of Missouri's total LIHTC funding, indicating its significant role in the state's affordable housing efforts.
Affordable housing through the LIHTC program has been present in Kansas City for over three decades. The earliest projects date back to 1987, with recent developments completed as recently as 2020. The 1990s experienced a surge in LIHTC-funded projects, with numerous developments like the Alcazar Apartments, Greenleaf Apartments, and Quality Heights completed during this period.
The LIHTC program in Kansas City has funded a diverse range of housing types. Of the total units, there are 296 efficiencies, 4,088 one-bedroom units, 4,375 two-bedroom units, 1,447 three-bedroom units, and 170 four-bedroom units. This distribution suggests a focus on accommodating various household sizes and needs.
Several recent projects have targeted specific populations. For instance, Rose Hill Townhomes, completed in 2016, and Morningstar Senior Apartments, finished in 2018, both cater to residents with disabilities. These projects demonstrate an effort to address the unique housing needs of vulnerable populations.
Kansas City's population has grown steadily, increasing from 460,665 in 2010 to 509,247 in 2022. This population growth might have contributed to the continued need for affordable housing options.
Median income in the city has seen an upward trend, rising from $45,551 in 2013 to $62,175 in 2022. Despite this increase, the continued development of LIHTC projects suggests a persistent need for affordable housing, possibly due to income inequality or rising housing costs.
Racial demographics have remained relatively stable over the past decade, with a slight decrease in the Black population (from 28% in 2013 to 26% in 2022) and a small increase in the Hispanic population (from 10% to 11%). The White population has remained steady at around 55-56%. This stability in racial demographics suggests that LIHTC projects have been developed to serve a consistent demographic mix.
In summary, Kansas City's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory represents a significant effort to address the city's housing needs. While it falls short of covering the estimated demand, it has provided thousands of affordable units across various housing types. The program's longevity, consistent development over the decades, and recent focus on special needs populations demonstrate an ongoing commitment to affordable housing in the city. As Kansas City continues to grow, the LIHTC program remains a crucial tool in ensuring housing accessibility for its diverse population.
