Exploring Housing Possibilities: Brining Missing Middle Housing to Johnson County
What does it look like to create more housing options that meet the needs of our changing communities?
United Community Services of Johnson County (UCS) and Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City are working together to answer that question through advocacy for zoning policies that support more attainable and diverse housing options.
As part of the Regional Housing Partnership’s (RHP) Housing Policy Series, UCS and Habitat KC helped facilitate a walking tour of missing middle housing developments in Downtown Overland Park. The tour brought together municipal staff and elected officials from across Johnson County to explore housing options that bridge the gap between traditional single-family homes and larger apartment complexes.
Participants had the opportunity to see firsthand how these developments complement the character of existing neighborhoods while creating opportunities for individuals and families at different stages of life. Conversations highlighted the potential benefits for young families, older adults looking to downsize, and residents seeking attainable homeownership opportunities.
The experience also sparked important discussions about the role of local zoning policies in expanding housing choices and the need to ensure that missing middle housing includes opportunities for homeownership alongside rental options.
To build on these conversations, RHP hosted a presentation and panel discussion highlighting local progress across the Kansas City region and innovative housing approaches underway in Joplin, Missouri.
From policy conversations to real-world examples, this experience reinforced an important message: creating more attainable housing begins with expanding what’s possible in our communities. Through continued collaboration, education, and advocacy, UCS and its partners remain committed to helping local leaders advance housing solutions that support stronger, more inclusive communities.
UCS Welcomes Dustin Hare, Senior Manager, Policy and Community Initatives
United Community Services of Johnson County (UCS) is pleased to announce that Dustin Hare has joined our team as Senior Manager, Policy and Community Initiatives!
In this role, Dustin will support UCS’s efforts to advance policies and community-driven initiatives that improve quality of life, strengthen housing stability, and create opportunities for individuals and families across Johnson County and our statewide networks.
Working alongside community partners, advocates, and local and statewide stakeholders, Dustin will help strengthen collaborative efforts that connect policy priorities with meaningful action.
“We are excited to welcome Dustin to the UCS team,” shared Executive Director Kristy Baughman. “His role will be instrumental in strengthening our policy and community initiatives and helping us turn shared priorities into lasting impact.”
Please join us in welcoming Dustin to UCS!
Join us for the 2026 Kansas Public Policy Forum
Join us for the 2026 Kansas Public Policy Forum on Wednesday November 18th. Registration is now open. Reach out to Christina on our team if you have any questions about the event, christinag@ucsjoco.org