In Partnership with

Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City

Housing shouldn’t feel out of reach for everyday working families

Hard-working families are doing everything they are supposed to - saving and planning for their future- yet homeownership continues to grow further out of reach. It's time to modernize housing policy and let local builders do what they do best—build.

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ATTAINABILITY ISN’T JUST A HOUSING ISSUE

It impacts workforce growth, economic stability, and quality of life for the entire Kansas City region. Young Families, teachers, nurses, and first responders are increasingly priced out of the communities they serve.

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SOME COMMUNITIES ARE LEADING, IT'S TIME FOR OTHERS TO CATCH UP

Across the KC region, some communities are taking meaningful steps to address the housing shortage by streamlining processes, embracing smart growth, and making it easier to build the houses that communities desperately need. Builders across the region weighed in on which communities are leading—and which are falling behind. See how your community scores:
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Expensive Development Standards Are Driving Up Costs

Permitting delays, inconsistent codes, and overly complicated development standards are creating barriers that increase the cost of building homes.

This red tape slows down builders who are ready to meet local demand—and those delays raise prices for families already struggling to afford housing.

Strong Public Support With Slow Policy Response

More than 60% of residents want leaders to prioritize homeownership and more housing, even if that means increased growth. Voters across the political spectrum agree that housing costs are too high but policymaking hasn’t responded to this urgency.

Why? Fear of legislative opposition, misconceptions about growth and taxes, and the time it takes to untangle decades-old regulations.

Disconnected Decision-Making Is Blocking Housing Progress

Based on a recent poll, nearly half of local residents have an unfavorable view of government and elected officials who control housing policy, while local builders have the highest trust and credibility among the public. Yet, those builders face the most obstacles.

It's time to shift decision-making power toward those who are closest to the community’s needs.

Kansas City families need more housing options—especially ones they can afford. Local builders are ready, but red tape and outdated policies are holding them back.

ARE YOU FEELING THE PRESSURE OF KANSAS CITY’S HOUSING LANDSCAPE? SHARE YOUR STORY.

GOOD COMMUNITIES DON’T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT - THEY’RE BUILT

Strong neighborhoods begin with housing that people can afford where families can put down roots. Builders help create the places where memories are made, children are raised, and local businesses thrive.

✓ Builders create more than houses – they help build communities, opportunity, and stability.

✓ Modern homebuilding can support both growth and the quality of life when policies allow projects to move forward responsibly.

✓ The goal is not unchecked development – it is thoughtful and intentional growth that meets the needs of current and future Kansas City residents.

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See What Others Are Saying:

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CAMPAIGN IMPACT

Let Builders Build is driving meaningful momentum across the Kansas City region.

What began as a call to remove unnecessary barriers to housing has sparked conversations, policy reviews, and real action in jurisdictions throughout the area. Below is a snapshot of how this growing movement is influencing change county by county and helping communities move closer to practical solutions by elevating the voices of homebuilders.

JURISDICTIONAL UPDATES

Platte County

One of the clearest signs of impact came in Platte County, where commissioners unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Let Builders Build movement. The measure acknowledged regulatory barriers, emphasized the need to expand housing supply, and committed to policies that support efficient, cost-effective homebuilding.

Kansas Jurisdictions

Interest has also grown across the Kansas side of the region, where local leaders are evaluating how policy decisions influence housing production. Officials have connected with KCHBA to explore permitting efficiency, development standards, and collaborative solutions that support attainable homebuilding. The Kansas jurisdictions that have contacted KCHBA include:

  • Gardner
  • Leawood
  • Lenexa
  • Olathe
  • Overland Park
  • Shawnee
  • Spring Hill

Missouri Jurisdictions

Building on the momentum created in Platte County, communities across the Missouri side of the metro have taken steps to engage with the Let Builders Build initiative. Several cities and counties have initiated conversations with KCHBA to better understand the regulatory pressures impacting housing supply and affordability. The Missouri jurisdictions that have made connections include:
  • Blue Springs
  • Kansas City
  • Lee’s Summit
  • Liberty
  • Platte County
  • Raymore
Kansas City metro jurisdiction outline map Gardner Average: 2–4 weeks Leawood Average: 2–4 weeks Lenexa Average: 2–4 weeks Olathe Average: 2–4 weeks Overland Park Average: 2–4 weeks Shawnee Efficient: 1–2 weeks Spring Hill Efficient: 1–2 weeks Blue Springs Average: 2–4 weeks Kansas City Delayed: 4+ weeks Lee’s Summit Efficient: 1–2 weeks Liberty Efficient: 1–2 weeks Platte County Efficient: 1–2 weeks Raymore Average: 2–4 weeks

Jurisdictional Status Snapshot

Efficient
Average
Delayed

This map provides a visual snapshot of jurisdictions that have connected with KCHBA, categorized by current permitting or response timeframe.

Hover or tap each label on the map to view its timeframe category.

Timeframe Key
Efficient 1–2 weeks
Average 2–4 weeks
Delayed 4+ weeks
Let Builders Build Let Builders Build Let Builders Build
Let Builders Build Let Builders Build Let Builders Build

IT’S TIME TO LET BUILDERS BUILD

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Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, policymaker, or community leader—your voice matters. Join the movement to modernize housing policy in the KC region.