By: The Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) | 10.20.25
Download the completed St Marys Housing Assessment Tool as a pdf.
Housing Assessment Tool (HAT)
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) is a self-guided resource that helps communities systematically evaluate their local housing environment. Designed to be implemented over a few months by a community-led housing committee, the HAT involves compiling local data—such as demographics, affordability metrics, housing stock conditions, and input from employers and realtors—alongside public engagement. The result is a detailed profile of housing strengths, needs, and priorities. This enables communities to make data-driven decisions and strategically direct efforts toward the greatest areas of need.
The importance of the HAT extends well beyond just data gathering—it positions local leaders to confidently present findings to the Housing Interagency Advisory Committee, unlocking potential funding avenues at the state and federal level. It also removes the burden and expense of contracting external consultants, empowering communities to take ownership of their housing strategy. Moreover, the HAT helps align housing development with economic goals, ensuring workforce needs are met and investment is sustainable.
Housing Assessments Across Pottawatomie County
Because many small communities lack resources to lead a multi-month project, Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation has stepped in to help, partnering with community stakeholders to guide the work.
Highlights from the St. Marys Housing Assessment
The St Marys Housing Assessment (HAT) reveals that St. Marys’ recent Housing Assessment paints a picture of a community with strong demand, solid infrastructure, and a shared commitment to growth. While the city benefits from willing investors, builders, and a close-knit network of local partners, housing challenges remain — particularly the need for more affordable senior housing, additional multi-family options, and new single-family lots. Community feedback underscored the desire to preserve St. Marys’ small-town character while expanding opportunities for families and workers to live locally. With collaboration already underway among city, county, and business leaders, St. Marys is well-positioned to turn these insights into action and ensure its housing market supports future growth and vitality.
The report emphasizes the need for affordable senior housing, multi-family housing, and lots for single-family housing.
The analysis revealed a strong need for a wider range of housing options to meet the needs of a diverse population. With a high percentage of older homes in the community, it can be difficult for individuals and families to transition as their housing needs change. The lack of available starter homes limits opportunities for families to move up, while smaller households or single residents often remain in larger homes that no longer fit their lifestyle. Expanding multi-family and apartment options could help attract workers and relieve occupancy challenges—especially if renovation needs and cost-burden issues are addressed.
Key findings of the report include:
- Strong demand for housing due to families wanting to stay in the community for church and school.
- Solid infrastructure for growth and development from city and county.
- Willing investors, builders, and developers are critical for sustained community growth.
Next Steps for Housing in St. Marys
Having a current community HAT in-hand is the first step, but a very important one in positioning projects for the community.
Support Incentive Programs: Explore local and state programs like RHID and MIH that can help offset the high costs of development and rehabilitation.
Prioritize Workforce & Moderate-Income Housing: Focus efforts on building attainable homes for families and workers earning $50,000–$120,000 to support economic growth and employer needs.
Encourage Rehabilitation of Existing Homes: Partner with community organizations or pursue grant opportunities to create programs that assist with home repairs and improvements.
Advance Development-Ready Projects: Collaborate with developers who already have projects ready to go, ensuring they have the tools and incentives needed to move forward.
Expand Senior-Friendly Housing Options: Plan for more slab homes and accessible housing types to meet the needs of Wamego’s aging population.
Continue Community Engagement: Keep residents, employers, and stakeholders informed and involved in shaping housing priorities and solutions.
Work with Regional Partners: Collaborate with county leaders, chambers, and neighboring communities to address shared challenges and identify scalable solutions.
Download the completed St Marys Housing Assessment Tool as a pdf.
