SHARON SPRINGS – The condition of local houses was improved and investment in the housing stock was stimulated by the Wallace County Housing Incentive programs.

Paint the County, Vacant Property Sale and Demo Assistance were developed and administered over a two-year period, resulting in the improvement, sale or removal of 22 properties across Wallace County. Thirteen homes were painted, four long-term vacant houses were sold, with three now re-occupied, and five unsafe structures were demolished.

Because of that success, Community Development Director Lissa Sexson was invited to present the initiative alongside the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity at the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation’s annual conference in Overland Park. The program was highlighted as a model for practical, approachable solutions to rural housing challenges.

The small, locally led effort in one of the most rural counties in Kansas was showcased as an example for the entire state. The recognition affirmed the value of grassroots, community-driven programs and inspired other communities to consider similar incentive models. It demonstrated that with the right tools and local commitment, even small programs can create replicable impact and spark statewide conversations.