News Summary
Kansas City is set to approve an ‘anti-displacement comprehensive plan’ aimed at protecting long-time residents from gentrification and displacement. This initiative, introduced by Councilwoman Parks-Shaw, focuses on affordable housing as property values rise. With a shortage of 64,000 affordable units, the plan emphasizes the need for community development and legal assistance for renters. It aligns Kansas City with other cities addressing similar issues, ensuring that residents can share in the area’s economic growth without being forced out.
Kansas City is taking significant steps to combat gentrification, which threatens long-time residents with displacement from their neighborhoods. The City Council is expected to approve an official “anti-displacement comprehensive plan” during a meeting scheduled for Thursday after receiving a favorable recommendation from the finance committee. This initiative aligns Kansas City with other cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, and Austin that are also working to safeguard affordable housing for their residents.
The plan was introduced by 5th District Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Parks-Shaw, who is dedicated to fostering community and facilitating responsible growth. Co-sponsoring the ordinance are Councilmembers Eric Bunch, Andrea Bough, Johnathan Duncan, and Darrell Curls. The anti-displacement strategy is a key element of the KC Spirit Playbook, a city strategic plan that was embraced two years ago. Since the fall, staff from the Kansas City Housing Department has been diligently developing this plan in response to a resolution proposed by Parks-Shaw.
To assess the vulnerability of Kansas City’s residents to displacement caused by gentrification and real estate development, the city has engaged a consultant. The findings highlight that gentrification typically leads to the forced relocation of residents and businesses, preventing them from sharing in the economic growth of the area. Low to moderate-income individuals, particularly those from non-white communities, are the most susceptible to the impacts of gentrification.
Gentrification trends in Kansas City exhibit variability, with increasing property values and rent especially evident along Troost Avenue and areas close to new streetcar lines. Rising real estate prices have exacerbated the situation, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods on the city’s East Side, leaving many residents at risk of being priced out of their homes. Recent data indicates a 7% rise in rent from 2023 to 2024, which has created additional financial strain for homeowners due to escalating property taxes.
The city is in dire need of affordable housing solutions, with estimates suggesting a shortage of 64,000 units to satisfy demand. Currently, there are over 20,000 households awaiting taxpayer-subsidized housing. The new anti-displacement plan sets forth eight policy priorities, designed to increase the availability of affordable housing and to extend greater protections and legal assistance for renters facing eviction.
Among the proposed initiatives is the establishment of a housing development corporation aimed at creating stable, affordable housing solutions in areas vulnerable to gentrification. However, specifics regarding funding for this new nonprofit corporation remain unclear. While Kansas City currently operates a Housing Trust Fund to support affordable housing projects, the proposed corporation seeks to diversify its funding sources by collaborating with private banks and philanthropic foundations.
The plan also suggests practical examples for mitigating the adverse effects of gentrification and recommends forming a commission tasked with overseeing its implementation. This commission would comprise city staff members who specialize in housing and community development. Additionally, citywide tenant advocates, such as leaders from KC Tenants, have indicated intentions to meet and examine the implications of the plan.
Concerns from local residents, like Paul Rojas, reflect worries over the impact of gentrification on long-time communities and the increasing burden of property taxes. Fourth District Councilman Eric Bunch acknowledges ongoing transformations in areas like the Westside and stresses the absolute necessity of creating more affordable housing options. Community perspectives on gentrification are diverse; while some residents call for increased development, others emphasize the urgency of protecting existing residents and maintaining community identities amidst the changing landscape.
Recent developments along Troost Avenue have stirred discussions on balancing revitalization efforts while preventing the displacement of current residents. The city’s move to implement an anti-displacement comprehensive plan marks a pivotal stride in addressing the challenges posed by gentrification, reinforcing Kansas City’s commitment to preserving its long-standing neighborhoods and community ties.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City News – Anti-Displacement Plan
- Startland News – Land Development in KC
- KSHB News – Gentrification in Kansas City’s Westside
- Governing – Gentrification in Kansas City
- Wikipedia: Gentrification
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
