Development
Planning and Development Department
Purpose of the Department
The primary purpose of the Planning and Development Department is to support the mission of HAKC in the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Our secondary purpose is to serve as the research and development arm of the Housing Authority.
In the past, the department worked with a private developer to create new and innovative projects like Pemberton Park for Grandfamilies, one of the first sites in the country to support grandparents raising their grandchildren. PDD has spearheaded new programs like the HCV Homeownership Program and the HCV Project-Based Voucher Program, and turned them over to other HAKC departments, such as HCV and Resident Services, for implementation.
An important role of the Department is to research and obtain grants and financing to support HAKC's mission of creating and preserving affordable housing. In 2015 HAKC partnered with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, United Way of Greater Kansas City, and Brinshore Development to obtain a $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant for the historic Paseo Gateway District. HAKC replaced the obsolete Chouteau Courts development in six new mixed-income sites.
History and Accomplishments of the Department
Since its founding in 1996, the Planning and Development Department has:
- Supported the major rehabilitation or new construction of 17 major apartment developments and 255 scattered site homes totaling over 1300 units. Total development work to date has exceeded $210 million.
- Solely or in concert with private developers, produced 14 new mixed-income sites combining Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), private equity, and conventional loans with HOPE VI and Choice Neighborhoods grant funding and other public sources.
- Utilized public housing funds to leverage $135 million in conventional financing, private equity, and other sources.
- Through this redevelopment process HAKC has reduced its concentration of public housing in the inner city by 20% with new developments and homes in non-impacted suburban areas of Kansas City, Missouri.
- New developments have expanded the location of HAKC's housing from 6 to all 9 school districts in KCMO.
- Location of new developments in suburban areas has brought greater opportunities for residents in employment, education, healthcare, recreation, and shopping.
Housing Services of Kansas City, Inc.
HAKC has created a non-profit affiliate, Housing Services of Kansas City, Inc. ("HSKC"), to promote the development of affordable housing. HAKC, through its non-profit affiliates, has served as a sponsor and managing general partner in the redevelopment of the historic Martin Luther King Village for Seniors and Rose Hill Townhomes. HAKC's non-profit affiliates have served as co-general partners in the development of Martin Luther King Village, Pemberton Park for Grand Families, Beacon Park Townhomes, and six new phases of Chouteau Court replacement housing.
Guiding Principles in HAKC Affordable Housing Development
- De-concentration of poverty is important to help correct a local history of segregation and provide greater opportunities to residents in a variety of neighborhoods.
- Mixed-Income housing works! Low-income residents of mixed-income sites live side-by-side with market-rate residents. HAKC mixed-income sites are up to 25 years old and still look great!
- Resident participation in planning development sites is critical to understand household needs and expectations.
- Developing partnerships with experienced private developers and local non-profit organizations brings expertise to the table. Partnerships are often the best way to tackle a difficult project.
- Select sites with careful consideration of employment opportunities, public transportation, school quality, crime rate, and proximity to services and parks.
- Use public resources to leverage the maximum amount of private investment to create a healthy development budget.
- Excellence in design and construction creates quality environments and developments that endure
- Market rate comparability in affordable housing amenities and finishes ensures the success of mixed-income housing.
- Energy efficiency reduces resident utility bills.
- Affordable housing construction should provide employment opportunities for low-income residents.
- Providing supportive services on-site enhances household stability and self-sufficiency
- Affordable housing sites should be models for fair housing
