Qualified Allocation Plan

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) seeks input on the content of the first draft of our 2021 Qualified Allocation Plan. The purpose of this web page is to generate discussion. Please submit your comments to housingdevelopment@kshousingcorp.org at any time, including new topics or input on those below.

The topics below came from program participants, KHRC staff, Mark Shelburne with Novogradac, and NCHSA’s Recommended Practices in Housing Credit Administration. The purposes are to give notice of possible changes and generate active participation. We will regularly update this page with new and revised content.

1. Separate criteria for new construction and rehabilitation. Many of the relevant policy considerations are different, such as proximity to amenities. Treating the two separately would require distinct set-asides, and the two could have different criteria. For example, the assessment of rehabilitation applications may be based on something other than points. In the past Kansas has primarily awarded new construction, and that would not necessarily change.
2. Geographic split and limits by jurisdiction. KHRC is committed to its programs serving the entire state. There are several potential approaches to meeting this objective. The QAP could create different regions, such as urban and rural or East and West. Other possibilities include limiting allocations to counties and/or incentives to serve smaller communities.
3. Maximums per developer. KHRC greatly values its partnership with those with a successful track record of working in Kansas. Continuing to have an opportunity for an award is a crucial aspect of this relationship, , which means limiting the share going to each participant. In the past there has not been a formal cap (unlike other aspects, like developer fee), rather it was handled informally.
4. Scoring elements and other criteria. The selection factors and threshold requirements have been largely the same for many years. Do they still reflect the state’s top housing priorities? Also, is there a reason to continue with distinct scoring for LIHTCs and appropriated programs, or should KHRC combine the two?
5. Curtailing qualified contracts. Unfortunately, in the last few years Kansas has lost more units to qualified contracts than it has newly allocated (on average). Finding the best way to address this circumstance will be a high priority. The ideal approach will involve both disincentives and encouraging practical alternatives.
6. Supportive housing. The LIHTC is the nation’s largest affordable rental production program, and persons with disabilities have the greatest need for housing. Many other states have found ways for the former to effectively serve the latter. Is Kansas doing enough in this regard, or can we accomplish more?

• April 17: Draft topics posted online, emailed to stakeholders
• May 10: Public input period closes
• May 21, 1:00 p.m.: Online meeting with KHRC staff, consultant Mark Shelburne to discuss 2021 draft QAP and program recommendations. Review the agenda.