Two Certificates of Final Inspection and action toward establishing a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) were part of the regular city commission meeting on April 1. Commissioner Christy Hasch was absent.
The meeting began with a proclamation that declared the month of April 2026, Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Concordia:
WHEREAS: April is recognized nationwide as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing public awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors, and promoting prevention efforts; and
WHEREAS, sexual assault is a serious and widespread issue affecting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and identities, often occurring alongside domestic violence and other forms of abuse; and
WHEREAS, in Kansas, 977 incidents of sexual assault were reported in 2024, with one rape reported every eight hours, 57 minutes, and 58 seconds, and law enforcement making one arrest for rape approximately every two days, 19 hours, 23 minutes, and 31 seconds; and
WHEREAS, DVACK provides vital advocacy and support services to survivors of sexual assault
and domestic violence throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, from January through December 2025, DVACK served 132 survivors of domestic violence across 19 counties, who also experienced sexual violence in their relationships including, but not limited to, 96 survivors from Saline County, and 4 survivors from out of state, with 55 survivors receiving safe shelter services; and
WHEREAS, DVACK also supported 89 survivors whose primary victimization was sexual assault across 12 counties, including, but not limited to, 63 survivors from Saline County, and 2 survivors from out of state, with 21 survivors provided safe shelter; and
WHEREAS, these numbers do not just serve as a statistic, but represent individuals whose lives have been impacted by violence, and who show resilience, strength, and courage in their healing journeys; and
WHEREAS, communities play a vital role in preventing sexual violence by fostering education, awareness, and a culture of respect, while ensuring survivors have access to trauma-informed care and support.
All residents are encouraged to support survivors, promote prevention efforts, and work collectively to end sexual violence in our community.
In the action item portion of the meeting, commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2026-2228 that makes certain findings and determinations regarding the need for housing in Concordia, and sets forth the legal description for the proposed RHID in the 1100 block of E. 11th Street.
Housing remains a stated priority of the city commission, and per the development agreement with TransEquity, executed on May 15, 2025, the City intends to support a new housing development project located in the 1100 block of E. 11th Street.
This housing development will require the construction of new public infrastructure (street, storm sewer, water, sanitary sewer, and sidewalks) to support the construction of 11 new single-family-attached homes (22 housing units) by TransEquity.
The State of Kansas has made available an economic development tool with which to establish a funding stream to pay for public improvements to support new housing developments in Kansas. The Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) Act was established through K.S.A. 12-5241 et seq. The RHID captures the incremental increase in real property taxes created by a housing development project for up to 25 years. This increment is used to repay eligible improvement costs incurred by a developer, including construction of public infrastructure.
The City had previously used the RHID tool with the St. Joseph Subdivision.
For this proposed development, the developer will provide the initial cash investment and will be reimbursed from the captured property tax increment; this is commonly known as the “pay-as-you-go” method. The City will not issue bonds for these RHID improvements.
Several steps and approvals were necessary to establish the RHID. First, a Housing Needs Analysis (HNA) had to be prepared. The HNA for Concordia was prepared by City staff and used information gathered from the 2022 Concordia Housing Study and Market Analysis.
The second step was for the City Commission to adopt a resolution making certain findings. After publication, the resolution and HNA are sent to the Kansas Department of Commerce for consideration and agreement by the Secretary. If the Secretary agrees, the developer may proceed with the next step, which includes holding a public hearing and adoption by the city commission of a Redevelopment Plan with comprehensive feasibility analysis.
After the Redevelopment Plan is adopted, the project may begin.
In 2022, the City and CloudCorp commissioned a housing study and market analysis, revealing a need for 245 moderate-income homes and 12 high-income homes. Since that time, one new home has been constructed, and two new homes are currently under construction, while more than 10 dilapidated homes have been demolished.
The city commission approved Resolution No. 2025-2211 on September 17, 2025, authorizing the preparation and submission of an application to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) for Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits (KHITC). These tax credits were awarded to TransEquity in February 2026.
TransEquity will also work through the platting process. City staff have worked with their civil engineer regarding the proposed design of infrastructure improvements to support this development, and to ensure it meets current zoning and subdivision regulations.
Approval of Resolution No. 2026-2228 established certain findings and determinations, and indicated the intent to establish an RHID, which will allow TransEquity to take the next steps in developing new homes in Concordia.
Commissioners then approved the Certificate of Final Inspection, performed by Campbell and Johnson, on the Fort Kearney Street extension, and approved the Certificate of Final Inspection, performed by Campbell and Johnson, at the St. Joseph Subdivision.
The City's Public Works Director, Shane Kisby, and the City's Public Utilities Director, Jeremy Arnold, stated that the Fort Kearney Street Project (ST & WL-2025) included the installation of a public water main extension and a public street extension within the Fort Kearney Street right-of-way. Construction of the public water main extension began on December 11, 2025, with a Final Inspection on December 22, 2025. Installation of the public street extension began on February 23, 2026, and was completed with a Final Inspection on March 3, 2026.
The St. Joseph Subdivision Project (ST-2023) included installation of public water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer infrastructure, along with public streets within the limits of 11th Street, Highland Drive, Sunflower Circle, and St. Joseph Circle right-of-way, and adjoining publicly recorded city easements within the St. Joseph Subdivision development. Construction began on February 26, 2024, and was completed following a Final Inspection on September 22, 2024.
In accordance with Section 8-1101 of the City of Concordia Subdivision Regulations, all
improvements to be dedicated to the public or considered for public acceptance require
completion of a Final Inspection. Construction observation and final inspection for both projects were performed by Campbell and Johnson, P.A.
Commissioners then met in two executive sessions totaling 35 minutes with City Attorney Justin Ferrell. No action was taken.
Commissioners then met in a third executive session with Ferrell and City Manager Amy Lange for 15 minutes. No action was taken.
With no further items on the agenda, the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
