April 2024 Regional Housing Partnership Newsletter
The Greater Kansas City Regional Housing Partnership’s (RHP) newsletter spotlights important housing news from around the region. This newsletter features efforts by local leaders and community stakeholders to increase access to and preserve quality, affordable housing options for all; find a collaborative path forward to address housing challenges and identify possible solutions; and introduce you to individuals and organizations working to make housing more accessible.
New research highlights the impact institutional homeownership has on underserved populations seeking safe, healthy and affordable housing.
A new data story from the RHP highlights the challenges low-income and vulnerable households face when searching for housing they can afford and the impact institutional ownership has on rising rents, higher evictions and maintenance issues. A recent blog further explores the trend of large corporations investing more heavily in areas with higher proportions of Black and Latino residents; Meanwhile, another blog reveals over 50% of renters across the country are now considered cost-burdened.
In the news: The Kansas City Beacon recently showcased RHP data to expose the impact institutional investment is having on local communities. KCUR included housing hub data in their coverage on how Kansas City and Missouri are seeing some of the fastest rent increases in the country.
RHP Strategy Committee continues goal-setting process.
The RHP Strategy Committee has worked over the last three months on developing goals and strategies to help focus the next phases of regional housing work. As part of the process, the committee is looking to expand opportunities for regional stakeholders to engage in RHP initiatives and shape ongoing work. Goal-setting is set to wrap up in May.
MARC applies for EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant on behalf of the region.
MARC submitted a $197,823,216 regional application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program. Within the grant, $101,391,835 is planned for buildings and energy efficiency. Included are dollars for multifamily development upgrades, home repair and to build capacity of organizations providing home repair, energy efficiency and weatherization work through a coalition. Notification of awards is expected in July.
April is Fair Housing Month.
This year marks the 56th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, the civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. Each April, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development along with states, local governments, fair housing advocates and housing organizations, recognize Fair Housing Month to raise awareness of rights and responsibilities, highlight enforcement efforts and emphasize the importance of creating diverse and inclusive communities.
Welcome Anna Van Brunt to the RHP team!
MARC is pleased to welcome Anna Van Brunt as a housing specialist within the Local Government Services Department. Anna will manage specific RHP projects and research, as well as work across MARC departments on initiatives related to housing. Anna recently worked as a program and policy specialist at Jackson County Public Health, supporting the housing and economic stability efforts for the Eastern Jackson County Community Health Improvement Process. Her prior experience includes internships at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and The DeBruce Foundation.
