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.