(Jan. 20, 2025) – Today, the topic of Housing saw legislative focus in several committees.
At the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, the Legislative Division of Post Audit testified regarding the Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credit. The staff reviewed the 2025 audit with the committee.
Post Audit staff highlighted that the state has awarded Affordable Housing Tax Credits totaling $73 million since 2023, and none have been used. Staff also noted that some businesses pass their credits through to owners and shareholders. Staff reminded the committee that the program sunsets at the end of 2028, but that credits awarded in 2023 can be used through 2035. The liability to state revenues is up to $107 million per year.
Additionally, the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee joined the Senate Commerce Committee to hear a briefing from the Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary of Business Development and Kansas Housing Partners, including:
- Alex Orel, Kansas Housing Solutions
- Mollea Lightner, Economic Development Director for Dodge City/Ford County
- Derek Lee, Building Kansas
- Randy Speaker, NW Kansas Economic Innovation Center
These committees also heard about other Kansas programs, including the Rural Opportunity Zone, which had 4,500 applicants for the student loan program and 609 tax credit filers in 2025.
The Joint Commerce Committee will meet again tomorrow.