The Innovation Center serves as a catalyst to promote housing development. We offer technical and financial assistance to developers, investors, builders, landlords, communities and local businesses – all of which are housing development stakeholders. We custom fit our participation to the specific needs of our clients and strive to enhance their housing development efforts. Through a brief introductory meeting, we are able to craft an initial housing development strategy that benefits all stakeholders.
For rural communities to survive and thrive, they must approach their housing needs with a dual wealth creation strategy. First, by promoting new homeownership opportunities the community’s residents can increase their personal wealth through appreciation. Second, because housing is one of the best long term assets of a community, the tax base is enhanced and as a result the property tax burdens are softened for all residents.
The first step to identifying housing needs begins with comprehensive local housing assessments such as the Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) and the Housing Needs Analysis (HNA) that were developed by the Kansas Department of Commerce and recognized by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. These assessments provide relevant insights for up to five years. They offer communities a long-term view to plan and implement effective housing programs that stand the test of time. Applying for housing funds is a competitive process and having the housing assessment improves your likelihood of success.
The Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center’s Housing Program is here to offer unwavering support in your efforts to address your community’s housing needs. Our goal is to help ease the burden on community members. Our specialists are not just equipped to guide communities through the development process but also to ensure accurate and actionable results, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions for your community’s future. Do you or your community need assistance? By contacting our Housing Specialists, you can set the path to a more sustainable community.
About Us
The Innovation Center provides economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses in rural Northwest Kansas. The private operating foundation serves 26 counties in the region with a variety of programs. By working with existing businesses or entrepreneurs throughout the coverage area with targeted programs, Innovation Center strives to reverse the outflow of people and businesses from Northwest Kansas. Through its current and future initiatives that extend resources to these businesses and entrepreneurs, Innovation Center hopes to increase population and to foster economic innovation in Northwest Kansas.
For more information about the Innovation Center and their services, visit nwkeici.org.
