Wichita's 2024-2028 Community Development Plan Approved

The City of Wichita has officially approved its 2024-2028 Community Development Plan, marking a significant step toward revitalizing the urban landscape and addressing housing needs.

Overseen by the Community Investments division, this plan leverages funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement various initiatives.

As an Entitlement City, Wichita receives direct allocations from HUD, determined by a specific formula and Congressional appropriations.

The primary funding categories include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG).

These resources are dedicated to programs assisting individuals who meet established income guidelines.

In a notable development, the Wichita City Council has allocated $5 million to the Affordable Housing Fund.

This initiative allows developers to apply for up to $40,000 per house to purchase or renovate affordable homes, with a focus on former public housing units, particularly in Northeast and Southwest Wichita.

The goal is to improve neighborhood stability and expand quality affordable housing options.

Further emphasizing the city's commitment to housing, the council awarded $1.3 million in COVID recovery funds to both nonprofit and for-profit developers.

This funding supports the purchase and renovation of 33 single-family public housing units.

Notably, Wichita Habitat for Humanity received $640,000 to rehabilitate and sell 16 houses on North Piatt, aiming to transform the entire block and provide safe, affordable homes.

On the urban development front, Downtown Wichita has partnered with global urban planning firm Sasaki to create the Downtown Action Plan.

This initiative aims to provide a 10-year roadmap for the continued revitalization and transformation of the city's core, building upon the success of the 2010 Project Downtown master plan.

Community engagement and planning efforts are set to commence in early 2025.

These concerted efforts reflect Wichita's proactive approach to community development, focusing on enhancing housing availability, improving urban infrastructure, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive city environment.

Residents can anticipate significant improvements in housing quality and urban amenities as these plans unfold over the coming years.