Who we are
Focused on Housing Affordability
Unlocking Kansas is a coalition of industry leaders, advocates, and stakeholders committed to improving housing affordability across the state.
We work to educate the public, inform policymakers, and advance evidence-based solutions that make it easier for Kansans to buy, build, and stay in their homes.
Our approach is nonpartisan, policy-focused, and grounded in the belief that a healthy housing market is essential to strong communities and a strong Kansas economy.
Our Mission
Advancing Practical Solutions for Kansas Housing
Our mission is to support housing affordability in Kansas by:
- Highlighting the real challenges facing homeowners and renters
- Providing lawmakers with clear, workable policy options
- Advocating for reforms that expand supply, reduce cost pressures, and protect homeowners
We believe housing policy should reflect the needs of Kansas families at every stage of life, from first-time buyers to seniors aging in place.
Current Challenges
Overcoming Kansas’ Housing Obstacles
Kansas’ housing challenges affect different communities in different ways. Understanding these impacts is essential to crafting effective solutions.
First-Time Homebuyers
Many Kansans working toward their first home face:
- Limited availability of starter homes
- Rising purchase prices
- Barriers to saving for down payments
Without targeted reforms, homeownership becomes harder to achieve for young families and new workers entering the state.
Rural Homeownership
Rural Kansans who already own homes often struggle to move into housing that fits their needs due to:
- Low housing inventory
- Construction costs that outpace home values
- Property tax increases that strain household budgets
When rural Kansas cannot move up, housing mobility slows across the entire market.
Seniors
Many seniors who built their homes and communities now face:
- Property tax increases that outpace fixed incomes
- Fewer options to remain in their homes safely and affordably
Stable housing allows seniors to age in place while staying connected to their communities.
Solutions
Policy Solutions to Support Housing Affordability
Unlocking Kansas advances a set of practical, pro-growth policy priorities designed to address housing challenges statewide.
property tax reform
Property taxes are a major driver of housing affordability challenges. We support reforms that:
- Expand property tax relief for owner-occupied homes
- Improve transparency and accountability in local tax decisions
- Increase accountability by creating a statewide Taxpayer Advocate position
First-Time Homebuyer Incentives
Targeted incentives can help Kansans take their first step into homeownership. Policy options include:
- Down payment assistance programs
- Tax incentives for first-time buyers
- Tools that help bridge affordability gaps without distorting the market
Growing Housing Supply
- Policies that encourage new home construction
- Reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers
- Supporting diverse housing types that meet community needs
Homeowner Protections
Strong protections help preserve housing stability. We support:
- Faster processes to address illegal squatting
- Stronger safeguards against home title and deed fraud
- Clear legal protections that give homeowners peace of mind
Workforce Training in Construction and Skilled Trades
Housing affordability depends on a skilled workforce. Policy options include:
- Expanded workforce training and education programs
- Partnerships with trade schools and community colleges
- Policies that strengthen the construction labor pipeline statewide
Responsible Government Spending
Local spending decisions directly impact property taxes. We support:
- Requiring local elected leaders to take a public vote to spend more tax dollars
- Improving fiscal accountability
- Preventing unnecessary cost growth that leads to higher property taxes
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