City approves changes to relocation assistance program to encourage people to move to McPherson

The city recently approved modifications to the program, hoping to encourage people to move to McPherson.

“We’ll put the $5,000 in for the down payment — at closing and can go from there,” said Thomas Brown, mayor of McPherson.

Program changes from employer matching to direct assistance

The program originally started in 2018 as an employer-matching program. Now, applicants can simply apply and earn $5,000 to put towards closing costs.

“The money is very useful for that, and will get people into homes, it’s money they don’t have to come up with out of pocket,” said Julie Wenthe from Sheets-Adams Realtors.

Wenthe said incentive programs like this can help make homes more affordable.

“Offering people grants to these people who are coming into McPherson, it’s going to help our community, I feel,” she said.

Eligibility requirements and funding details

Applicants cannot have owned a home in the city limits for at least 36 months prior to application. Brown said this is great for entry-level workers or teachers looking to make McPherson their home.

“So you may have come here on an entry-level job or as a new teacher… and were renting, now you have the opportunity to buy,” Brown said.

The city is setting aside $50,000 annually for the program on a first-come, first-served basis. The commission said depending on popularity, they will have the ability to adjust incentives if needed.

“It’s a win for the industry, it’s a win for the city, it’s a win for the person buying the house,” Brown said.

The city of McPherson also has a new construction homebuyer incentive program and a moderate-income housing grant.

As reported by KWCH. Copyright 2025 KWCH. All rights reserved.