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Quinton Lucas
Mayor | Kansas City, MO

ARPA Case Study: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ Affordable Housing Trust Fund Funds New Construction

Idea Category: American Rescue Plan Act, Funding, Housing | Funding Source: American Rescue Plan

Mayor Quinton Lucas, allocated more than $15 million from the American Rescue Plan to address the dual issues of homelessness and affordable housing. An additional $12.5 million has been set aside to establish the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund for affordable housing development, paying special attention to the needs of vulnerable populations. According to the mayor’s office, the ARPA funding represents half of the city’s $25 million investment in the Housing Trust Fund, which will help the city serve hundreds of residents.

In 2023, Kansas City Council green-lit the second round of the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board’s recommendations, allocating funds to 12 applicants dedicated to bolstering affordable housing options. The selected programs, once implemented, will realize 542 affordable housing units, serving specific demographics and needs in the community. Among these recipients are housing for veterans (55 homes), support for women in recovery from substance use (37 homes), and assistance for individuals grappling with homelessness and mental health challenges (47 homes). Additionally, plans include the establishment of a new navigation center and cottage community (38 homes) tailored to meet the unique housing needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, the initiative aims to safeguard the residences of 232 low-income households by preserving and rehabilitating an existing affordable housing community.

As a consequence of the infusion of ARPA funds, the Housing Trust Fund has awarded two rounds of funding to 26 projects, supporting nearly 1,000 units, including rehabilitation to provide units specifically for seniors and people with disabilities.

“Since becoming mayor, I have been proud to commit $75 million to Kansas City's Housing Trust Fund, which already has created hundreds of affordable housing units—ensuring stable and dignified housing available to Kansas Citians in all zip codes," said Lucas.