City takes first step to tackle housing shortage crisis

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the establishment of a new Residential Housing Improvement District (RHID) in Hays, aimed at addressing a significant shortage of quality housing in the area. The resolution, which is the first step in the RHID process, is based on the city's latest housing needs analysis, highlighting that the current housing deficit could hinder future economic growth.

The resolution not only identifies the pressing housing needs but also delineates the boundaries of the proposed RHID district. Unlike previous RHID initiatives, this proposal includes a plan for the city to finance and construct the necessary infrastructure, with the developer contributing a deposit equal to 30% of the project's infrastructure costs. This deposit, along with RHID revenues, will help offset any expenses incurred from bonding or infrastructure development.

The process for establishing the RHID is multi-faceted and will take several months to complete. Currently, the city is at the initial stage of defining the district boundaries, which will be submitted to the Secretary of Commerce for approval. Further details regarding the development plan and financial specifics will be addressed in subsequent steps.

Commissioner Barrack moved to approve resolution 2024-034, which was seconded by Commissioner Cunningham, marking a significant step forward in addressing the housing challenges facing Hays.