FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Randy Speaker, Regional Housing Specialist – Innovation Center
785-409-0555 | randy@nwkeici.org
Caden Pfeifer, Regional Housing Planner – Innovation Center
785-324-1731 | caden@nwkeici.org
Northwest Kansas – October 14, 2025 – Innovation Center is calling on several Northwest Kansas counties to take advantage of the Kansas Housing Cooperative Program, which offers thousands of dollars in the form of forgivable loans to build new homes in eligible communities.
While 21 Northwest Kansas families have already benefited from the program since its launch in late 2024, there is still funding available. The Innovation Center is actively seeking applicants from counties without a funding request to date.
These include: Cheyenne, Cloud, Ellsworth, Graham, Lincoln, Logan, Ottawa, Rawlins, Republic, Russell, Saline, Sherman, Smith, and Thomas Counties.
About the Kansas Housing Cooperative Program
The Kansas Housing Cooperative Program is designed to increase new home construction in communities with 10,000 or fewer residents across Northwest Kansas. Through partnerships with local lenders, state agencies, and community organizations, the program helps address housing shortages, support workforce retention, and strengthen rural communities.
Program Qualifications
Applicants may qualify for the forgivable loan program if:
- The property is in a Northwest Kansas community of 10,000 or fewer residents
- The home is a new build and will be homeowner-occupied
- A single-family home has up to 3,000 finished square feet
- A duplex is between 1,000 and 1,600 square feet per unit
Funding for this program is made possible thanks to partnerships from the State of Kansas, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, and a local match contribution.
Take the Next Step
Community members, developers, and local leaders in the Innovation Center’s 26 county service area are encouraged to reach out and learn how the program can help with new-build housing projects.
For more details, visit https://nwkeici.org/programs/kansas-housing-cooperative-program/
or contact:
Randy Speaker, Regional Housing Specialist – 785-409-0555 – randy@nwkeici.org
Caden Pfeifer, Regional Housing Planner – 785-324-1731 – caden@nwkeici.org
About the Innovation Center
The Innovation Center exists to help turn Northwest Kansas’ economic dreams into a reality. We’re committed to transforming the economic aspirations of people and communities across our 26-county region into real, tangible successes. We do this through hard work, collaboration, and practical solutions. Areas of Focus: Workforce, Housing, Childcare, and Business Development.
Areas of Focus: Workforce • Housing • Childcare • Business Development