Abilene Commission Signals Major Overhaul of Neighborhood Revitalization Program
The Abilene City Commission held an extended discussion on the future of the city's Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP), which is set to expire December 31, 2026, unless the commission reauthorizes it.
City staff member Carrie explained that the current program offers property tax rebates on the increased appraised value of qualifying properties after improvements are made. Under the existing plan, the city is divided into three revitalization districts — north, central, and downtown — each with different eligibility requirements and rebate percentages over a 10-year period. An interlocal agreement is in effect with Dickinson County and USD 435.
Staff noted that Kansas House Bill 2470, signed by Gov. Laura Kelly on April 6 and effective July 1, allows municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents to place their entire city limits inside a neighborhood revitalization zone. With a population of roughly 6,500, Abilene would qualify.
Commissioners voiced strong support for simplifying and expanding the program. Several members favored moving to a single citywide district rather than the current three-district structure. Commissioner Kohlhoff suggested a 95% rebate with a lower minimum investment threshold — possibly $10,000 — and a uniform 5% increase in appraised value requirement across residential and commercial properties. Other commissioners suggested a $15,000 minimum.
By the end of the discussion, commissioners indicated they wanted staff to draft a plan with a 100% rebate for the full 10 years, a $10,000 minimum investment, a 5% appraised-value increase requirement, and citywide eligibility. Commissioners also expressed interest in a special carve-out offering a full rebate for properties on the National or Kansas historical registries, modeled after the City of Ellis.
City staff said any new plan would require public hearing notices, a resolution, and approval by Dickinson County and the USD 435 school board before taking effect. Staff currently reported 27 active properties on the NRP: 13 residential, 14 commercial. Staff said no dollar figures on rebate amounts or impacts to taxing entities were available at the meeting.
Commissioners noted they can amend the plan at any time, and staff said the plan could be set on a three- or five-year cycle. The commission directed staff to bring back a revised plan for review.
Source: City Commission Regular Meeting
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