Rural Kansas is home to rolling hills, wide open spaces, some of the friendliest faces around… and unfortunately, a vast number of unoccupied or abandoned houses, buildings, and other types of structures.
The Innovation Center continues their mission to bolster population in the 26-county service area, and when one considers how to go about population growth, housing is a huge consideration that simply cannot be overlooked. As a result, a new position was created in 2022, called the Regional Housing Specialist, to focus specifically on housing.
The Innovation Center sought out Randy Speaker for the job due to his extensive background in the field. Speaker’s involvement in housing development traces back many years, with a background deeply rooted in community and government work. His prior experience in the Kansas Department of Commerce, serving as undersecretary during Governor Graves’ tenure, and most recently working with Lieutenant Governor David Toland on workforce housing provided a strong foundation.
When asked about being approached by EICI, Speaker says with a smile, “Twenty six is less than 105 , so we decided to go together on the same path.”
Bringing a wealth of experience and fervent dedication to the job, Speaker has embraced his new position with excitement. “I’ve been on the other side of the fence where I reviewed hundreds of applications. I understand the language, concerns, and jargon of cities and counties,” Speaker remarked, highlighting his unique experience as Deputy City Manager of Topeka.
The primary goal of the housing program is clear- to stabilize and improve housing opportunities across the 26-county region. “My work involves aiding communities in their funding applications and supporting developers to enhance their competitiveness,” Speaker explained. He emphasized the power of storytelling via pictures in applications, urging communities to create compelling cover sheets with vivid narratives of their unique community aspects.
However, the program’s innovation goes beyond paperwork. Speaker will also be actively involved in training individuals interested in property management and maintenance, aiming to elevate their capabilities and competitiveness in the housing market.
“One of the most rewarding aspects is witnessing those ‘aha’ moments. Sometimes the resources are right here, but people need help bringing them together,” Speaker expressed, underscoring the pride he takes in facilitating individuals’ entry into housing production.
A significant facet of Speaker’s work involves cataloging and repurposing underutilized buildings across the region. His focus is on transforming structures such as old school buildings, nursing homes, and outdated motels into viable workforce housing units. Collaborating with economic development personnel across the 26 counties, Speaker has identified potential buildings for redevelopment, intending to entice specialized developers in historic building restoration and housing development. His goal will be to create partnerships between local owners/investors and developers who specialize in repurposing older structures.
“Repurposed buildings can retain their historic nature and offer financial resources for developers” Speaker noted.
To further understand and address housing needs, communities are encouraged to conduct self-assessments using the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Housing Assessment Tool (HAT)s. Speaker emphasizes the importance of these studies in showcasing the necessity and specific types of housing desired in each locality.
His hands-on approach involves regular visits to these potential development sites, engaging directly with the terrain and the people involved. Speaker also collaborates with regional planning commissions, assisting in overseeing studies and offering technical assistance funds for housing assessments.
For businesses or individuals seeking advice or assistance, Speaker is readily available, offering guidance on making housing more affordable for employees. His commitment lies not just in housing development but in building a stronger, more sustainable community fabric across Kansas.
To learn more about the EICI housing program please visit the “Housing” section of our website.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker may be contacted directly at (785) 409-0555 or randy@nwkeici.org.
