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Limited LIHTC Housing in East Blue Valley: A Demographic Shift
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
East Blue Valley, a neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, has a population of 2,155 as of 2022. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has funded 2 affordable housing units in this area, all of which are designated as low-income units. Based on the estimated housing inventory of approximately 826 units, LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises about 0.24% of the neighborhood's housing stock. This indicates that LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents a small portion of the overall housing inventory in East Blue Valley.
The LIHTC-funded affordable housing in East Blue Valley consists of two projects: 1201 Bennington Ave and 1239 Belmont Ave. The first project was completed in 1989, and the second in 1990, indicating that affordable housing has been present in the neighborhood for over three decades. The 1980s saw the most LIHTC activity in this area.
The two projects offer different unit types: 1201 Bennington Ave provides a two-bedroom unit, while 1239 Belmont Ave offers a three-bedroom unit. This mix caters to different household sizes within the low-income population.
Over the past decade, East Blue Valley has experienced demographic shifts. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between about 1,900 and 2,250 residents. Median income has shown variability, with an increase from $17,420 in 2021 to $31,779 in 2022.
Racial demographics have evolved. The Hispanic population has grown from 59% in 2020 to 80% in 2022. The white population decreased from 28% to 11% during the same period. The Black population also decreased from 10% to 6%.
Despite these demographic changes, no new LIHTC projects have been developed in the last decade. This could be due to factors including land availability, funding priorities, or changes in housing needs.
East Blue Valley's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory, while small, has been a consistent part of the neighborhood for over 30 years. The two existing projects offer a mix of unit sizes, potentially serving different household types. Recent demographic shifts, particularly the growth in the Hispanic population and fluctuations in median income, may influence future affordable housing needs in the area. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, ongoing assessment of housing affordability and potential need for additional LIHTC or other affordable housing programs may be warranted.
