Housing a priority in Kimball

In October 2016 the City of Kimball participated in a housing study through Western Nebraska Economic Development. The study identified that in order for Kimball County and the City of Kimball’s population to remain stable through 2021 we would need 92 new units in our community (combination or owner occupied and rental). It also showed the need for 10 units in the downtown areas of Kimball along with a total of 411 homes that are in poor or substandard condition that need rehabilitated. On Tuesday, March 13, the City of Kimball held a special joint meeting between the Economic Development Loan Advisory Committee and the City Council to discuss housing. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Kimball’s participation in an upcoming housing grant application through Panhandle Area Development District from the State of Nebraska’s Rural Workforce Housing Investment Fund. If granted, any private or public investments will be earmarked for purchase and rehabilitation for resale or for rentals and new housing in Kimball. The drive behind this grant application is to provide workforce housing to current and new residents.

In the joint meeting, it was agreed that the City of Kimball through LB840 funds invest $100,000 into the program. The city is seeking for private entities to make pledges in the next week.With this investment from the City only, Panhandle Area Development District will apply for the grant and, if awarded, Kimball would have $200,000 in revolving funds through PADD to be used at a low interest rate for the types of projects needed for the betterment of Kimball.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Amy Sapp at the City of Kimball offices.