Dodge City/Ford County Showcased at the Kansas Housing Conferenc

The Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation was proud to be represented at the 19th Annual Kansas Housing Conference, hosted by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) at the Overland Park Convention Center, August 20–22.

The statewide conference brought together more than 700 housing professionals, developers, lenders, property managers, and community leaders to share best practices and explore solutions to Kansas’s housing challenges. The event serves as a gathering for affordable and workforce housing advocates across the state, highlighting innovation, collaboration, and community impact.

Assistant Director of Economic Development Mollea Lightner presented Creating Impactful Community Housing Programs, highlighting Dodge City’s success in developing new housing units, with many more currently under construction. Her presentation showcased local initiatives such as the Community Housing Association of Dodge City (CHAD), the Community Home Renovation Program (CHRP), and the Paint Dodge program, each designed to preserve existing housing stock, clean up blighted neighborhoods, and support low- and moderate-income homeowners.

Lightner also emphasized the importance of leveraging key housing programs, including the Moderate Income Housing (MIH) program, Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID), Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP), and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Together, these tools have made Dodge City a statewide model for creative, community-driven housing development.

“The Kansas Housing Conference is where local innovation meets statewide collaboration,” said Lightner. “It’s inspiring to connect with communities across Kansas who are tackling the same issues and to share how Dodge City is addressing housing needs through partnerships, local investment, and strategic use of state and federal programs.”

Conference sessions covered a range of topics, including workforce housing, affordable development models, energy efficiency, and new approaches to rural housing. Lightner’s participation helped shine a spotlight on the proactive efforts happening in Southwest Kansas to strengthen neighborhoods and expand housing opportunities.

The Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation extends its appreciation to KHRC and the many partners who make this event possible each year. 

For more information on Dodge City’s housing initiatives, visit https://www.dodgedev.org/housing.

Media Contact:

Mollea Lightner

Assistant Director, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation

molleaw@dodgedev.org | 620-227-9501