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Growing the Housing Stock

One Local Group is Expanding Housing Options in Rural Kansas

The Rural Development Group has built new homes in several communities in the region, similar to the one shown here. (Courtesy Photo)

In rural housing, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but one local development group has found a niche building new homes in communities across the region.

The path to housing development was unique for Austin Gillard and his wife, Michelle, who own Rural Development Group, based in Clay Center, Kansas. They first moved to Clay Center for Austin’s job as CEO of Clay County Medical Center 11 years ago. The topics of housing, daycare, and workforce have been a concern since his arrival on the job. Gillard said he was inspired to tackle the housing challenge after completing several large hospital projects and working with several contractors in the region.

“We need quality and affordable homes in our rural Kansas communities,” said Gillard. “This attracts people to stay and come to our communities, including all healthcare occupations. My goal is to fill needs in North Central Kansas.”

The Rural Development Group has developed and implemented new housing with support from programs provided through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. Homes cost around $250,000, often with $30,000 in down payment assistance for the buyer.

The new 1,886-square-foot homes have three bedrooms, two baths, a two-car garage, a reinforced storm shelter, and are built to meet Kansas accessibility requirements.

One of the company’s first steps in determining project feasibility is to review the City’s housing assessment. The NCRPC provides guidance on the Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) for communities.

Gillard said the company works with local contractors and suppliers whenever possible. Households earning 60 to 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible to purchase the homes. The company is on track to build 25 new homes by the end of 2027.

“We are not in the business of large margins or building low-quality homes. I have a great full-time career outside of building homes,” Gillard said. “We have been blessed to work with so many neat community members, home buyers, contractors, and Cities to make this all possible.”

Learn more about the Rural Development Group.

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 NCRPC Newsletter.

New Housing Program Launches

“Demo to Dirt” Provides Help to Remove Dilapidated Housing

A new housing initiative launched in several counties in North Central Kansas this Fall, aimed at addressing the issue of dilapidated residential structures. The “Demo to Dirt” program provides financial assistance to help property owners remove unsafe or blighted housing, contributing to safer neighborhoods and enhancing the overall appearance of communities.

The NCRPC is administering the program with support from a 2025 grant by The Patterson Family Foundation.

Eligible applicants may qualify for reimbursement grants of up to $4,000 toward demolition costs for deteriorated residential homes, garages, and sheds that pose safety risks or detract from neighborhood quality. There are no income requirements for the program. Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Property owners are required to contribute a 25% match and cover any costs that exceed the $4,000 grant.

This program is available for a limited time in incorporated cities located within select counties of the NCRPC service area, including Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Ottawa, Republic, and Washington.

“We appreciate The Patterson Family Foundation’s support in aiding this initiative,” said Keegan Bailey, NCRPC Assistant Director and Housing Director. “This program helps remove financial barriers for property owners while fostering safer neighborhoods and opening the door to future investment and housing opportunities.”

Property owners interested in learning more can visit the Demo to Dirt program page.

This article appeared in the December 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.

NCRPC Housing Initiative Update

Did you know? Limited funds are still available in select Kansas counties through the NCRPC Housing Initiative, including the Moderate Income Housing Rehabilitation Pilot Program and the Demolition Pilot Program.

Learn More>>

Project Spotlight: City of Miltonvale Completes Street Improvements

KDOT Cost Share Program Provides Assistance for Long-Term Solution

Miltonvale’s project repaired historic brick streets and improved sidewalk accessibility, curbing, drainage issues, and more. (Courtesy Photo)

After completing a major project to update problematic waterline infrastructure, the City of Miltonvale was ready to turn its attention to finding a long-term solution to improving its streets.

The city explored options and ultimately learned that it was awarded a $600,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation Cost Share Program in Spring 2021. The project included addressing safety issues on the historic downtown brick streets, replacing dangerous curb/gutter and sidewalks in front of downtown businesses, and replacing two dangerous intersections.

Although substantial completion of the project was nearly two years ago, residents and businesses continue to appreciate its long-term benefits.

“The project encompasses several street issues in the community, all of which were in need of critical repairs,” said Darla Bebber, former Miltonvale City Clerk who was on staff when the project was completed. “Every resident in our community has benefited from the project, which would not have been possible without the KDOT grant involvement.”

Other non-funding project partners included project engineer CES Group, Inc., and contractor Jadwin Construction & Development, LLC. The NCRPC provided planning assistance, grant writing, and project administration.

“We worked with NCRPC staff to put together a game plan and project that would best prioritize the needs of our community and budget,” Bebber said.

KDOT opens the Cost Share program for applications twice a year, generally in the fall and spring. Several other communities in the region have received funding in recent years. Learn more about the KDOT Cost Share program or view past award lists.

This article appeared in the December 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.

There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas. Project Spotlight shares stories from communities around the region and how they solved challenges. View more at www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight.

NCRPC Announces Staffing Updates

Organization Sees Leadership, Department Role Updates

The NCRPC is pleased to officially announce several staff role updates that have taken place over the past year.

“When I was appointed Executive Director in May, my long-term vision was to create an organization leadership team, and we have done just that by defining new roles for Keegan Bailey and Pepper Roberg,” said Deb Ohlde, NCRPC Executive Director.

Keegan Bailey has been named Assistant Director. In this role, she supports the Executive Director and other department leaders, focusing on program delivery and project implementation. Bailey has been with the NCRPC since 2015 and will continue to serve as Housing Director, leading the organization’s housing programs and efforts to address regional housing needs.

Pepper Roberg has been named Director of Operations and Personnel. In this senior management role, she focuses on internal operations, physical assets, and financial management. Roberg joined the NCRPC in 2004 and has served as Office Manager since 2008. She continues to oversee office accounting, general administration, and personnel functions.

“Having Keegan and Pepper in these roles helps us benefit from multiple perspectives,” Ohlde said. “Our decisions are stronger when we work together.”

The Weatherization Assistance Program has transitioned to a collaborative management model, appointing Dell Gier as Technical Supervisor and Amanda Augustine as Administrative Supervisor to co-lead the program. Augustine, who first joined the NCRPC in 2014, brings 10 years of program experience to her new role. Gier has worked as a Housing Inspector since joining the NCRPC in 2002.

Other recent position changes include the naming of Kristina Harrison as Homeland Security Coordinator and Chelsea Smith as Administrative Manager. Harrison, who joined the NCRPC in 2024, oversees fiscal agent responsibilities and collaborates with project managers from each of six regional homeland security councils. Smith, who has been with the organization since 2022, provides in-house technical support and manages accounts receivable for the NCRPC affiliate, NCKCN.

Additionally, in 2024, Brett Beck was named Managing Technician for NCKCN and Lori Thielen was named Communications Director, recognizing their roles and long-time service to the organization. Beck has been a full-time employee since April 2006, and Thielen first joined the NCRPC in 2004.

“The organization is fortunate to have dedicated staff who are passionate about rural Kansas and helping communities achieve their goals,” Ohlde said. “We have a large amount of experience on our staff and that allows us to provide dependable and professional service to the region.”

This article appeared in the December 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.

Local Business Opportunity Attracts Couple to Concordia

NCRPC Business Finance Program Assists in Business Purchase Project

Samantha Parker and her husband, Cameron Morris, along with Tim and Carrie Parker, are the new owners of the Liquor Outlet, located in Concordia, Kansas, along US Highway 81. (Courtesy Photo)

The opportunity to purchase a local business in Concordia, Kansas, has made moving back home a reality for Samantha Parker and her husband, Cameron Morris. In July, they acquired Liquor Outlet, which first opened its doors in March 2001.

Located at 1250 Lincoln Street in Concordia, Liquor Outlet offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits and is open daily. Its primary customer base includes residents of Concordia and Cloud County, as well as travelers along U.S. Highway 81.

Samantha and Cameron recently relocated from Aurora, Colorado, to Samantha’s hometown of Concordia to purchase the business along with her parents, Tim and Carrie Parker. The Parkers previously owned the Taco John’s franchise in Concordia.

Samantha Parker graduated from Concordia High School and Washburn University. She has previous experience working as an Occupational Therapist Assistant. Cameron Morris graduated from Goodland High School and has several years of experience managing liquor stores in both Colorado and Kansas. He manages the day-to-day operations of the business, with support from Samantha and her parents.

“We were excited about the chance to move back and be closer to family and friends while operating a local business,” said Samantha.

The business purchase project was made possible through investments from the owners, assistance from The Citizens National Bank in Concordia, and the NCRPC Revolving Loan Fund Program.

To learn more about the financing program used, contact Debra Peters, NCRPC Business Finance Director. To learn more about the business, visit them on Facebook.

This article appeared in the December 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.

Meet the New Executive Director

Debra Carlson Ohlde

The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) Board of Directors has appointed Debra Carlson Ohlde as its new Executive Director, effective May 1. Read the full news release.

Ohlde is no stranger to the North Central Regional Planning Commission.
She initially joined the staff in 1994 and served in various roles, culminating in the position of Assistant Director, through 2016. After that, Deb stayed connected to community development while operating her consulting company, NEW Heartland Freelance. She also served as the Director of Grower Services for Kansas Corn before rejoining the NCRPC in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Kansas State University. Deb and her husband, Tim, are long-time residents of Clyde.

Q&A with the NCRPC Executive Director: Community, Leadership, and the Future of Rural Kansas

For someone unfamiliar with NCRPC or its services, what would you tell them?

Our strength comes from a staff that lives in and loves the region. We understand our member cities and counties, and that impacts how we provide services. We are invested in the region so we strive to provide high quality service and doing so with integrity underpins what we do.”

What excites you most about the future of the NCRPC?

There is always opportunity for communities, businesses and non-profits in rural areas. I’m amazed at the number of young families returning who are choosing this lifestyle and already engaging in community activities and volunteering. We are in such great hands. The NCRPC has the chance to be a key player in solving the challenges we do face and supporting the next generation’s great ideas.

Do you have any advice for communities or businesses in the region or for others working in the field of community development?

Dream big, but validate your idea. I really love the book, “Who Owns The Ice House.” It captures an approach to entrepreneurship that I think works for businesses and communities. In summary, you look to solve a problem, experiment with your solution on a small scale and then just keep growing and improving. People will support/pay for things that are done well. We see impressive projects and business transformations all the time in the region.

What is a leadership lesson you’ve learned that was impactful?

I admire my husband’s approach to life and his career. He always does ALL the research and has a strong knowledge base on any subject he is working on. He is also great at studying all the details. I tend to be bigger picture focused so I appreciate the balance of the detail person. He also represents servant leadership so well. He works very hard, behind the scenes and prefers to deflect the credit to others.

If you weren’t in this career, what would you be doing?

I thought very hard about going to law school. Once in awhile I wish I would have, but I think I would have been most interested in being in a court room and that doesn’t actually happen that much. I also really loved my accounting classes at KSU. But I don’t think I would have enjoyed doing that type of work all the time. A little bit here and there is enough.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing the most?

I have always enjoyed reading and still do. I rarely read fiction; it’s usually something self-help, biographical, or work-related. Podcasts are also wonderful because I do drive a fair amount and enjoy walking outside and I like to listen to them rather than music. Over the years, I have enjoyed the different volunteer things I have done – teaching Sunday School, being a 4-H leader, coaching, etc. I can honestly say that I enjoyed my 12 years on our local Board of Education. It is so important to have strong schools in our small towns.

This article appeared in the Quarter 2 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.

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