Real estate professionals commonly cite housing attainability as one of the most significant challenges facing communities across the Kansas City region. In response, the KCRAR Public Policy Committee has approved a new Model Rental Housing Attainability Ordinance, providing municipalities and counties with a comprehensive framework to expand housing opportunities, support workforce growth and strengthen local economies.
The model ordinance presents that healthy communities require a diverse mix of housing options. By encouraging new housing production, preserving existing rental housing and reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, the ordinance seeks to create more opportunities for residents to live, work and build their futures within the communities they serve.
The ordinance includes tools designed to help local governments modernize their approach to housing, including streamlined development approvals, adaptive reuse of underutilized properties, workforce housing incentives, housing preservation strategies and public-private partnerships. It also promotes greater transparency and predictability in the development process while protecting private property rights and local decision-making authority.
“This new ordinance recognizes that rental housing is often the first step on the path to homeownership,” said James Toy, KCRAR Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. “By expanding attainable housing opportunities today, communities can help create stronger neighborhoods, attract and retain workers, support economic development and foster long-term housing stability for future generations.”
The Model Rental Housing Attainability Ordinance is the latest addition to KCRAR’s growing library of model ordinances and policy resources, providing local leaders with practical, market-based solutions to address housing challenges and build more attainable, competitive and prosperous communities.
