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City's housing policy changes didn't use 'right methodology,' council member says

By Steve Kraske,

Published August 24, 2022 at 2:20 PM CDT

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Dozens of KC Tenants members packed City Council chambers on Thursday to oppose an ordinance that would loosen affordable housing requirements for developers. — KC Tenants members pack City Council chambers on Aug. 18 to oppose an ordinance that would loosen affordable housing requirements for developers.

After the City Council passed an ordinance relaxing requirements for affordable housing, two members who opposed the policy share why they voted against the ordinance and how they'd like to see the policy better address tenants' and builders' concerns.

The Kansas City Council approved an ordinance relaxing requirements for affordable housing. Four council members opposed the measure, including Andrea Bough, of the 6th District-at-Large, and Heather Hall, of the 1st District.

Bough said the ordinance doesn't address extreme affordability, and is not reflective of Kansas City.

The decision was too fast, Hall said, and there weren't discussions about making the policy equitable for developers and tenants.

"We didn't do it with the right methodology," Hall said. "And so we can't just say $1,200 is fair. And we also can't say, developers, you have to do this or this to build in Kansas City."

Councilwoman Heather Hall, Kansas City's 1st District
Councilwoman Andrea Bough, Kansas City's 6th District-at-Large

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Elizabeth Ruiz

As a producer for Up To Date, my goal is to inform our audience by curating interesting and important conversations with reliable sources and individuals directly affected by a topic or issue. I strive for our program to be a place that hosts impactful conversations, providing our audience with greater knowledge, intrigue, compassion and entertainment. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.

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