Housing (Community Development)

SB 1694 extends Missouri's Downtown Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA) to support existing downtown redevelopment projects approved before 2013. It allows developers to modify project areas (including noncontiguous zones outside central business districts), extend project timelines to 35 years, and use tax increments (up to 85% of state income tax and sales tax revenue) to fund development costs. The bill directly affects developers of approved projects, municipalities with designated development areas, and the state through new tax increment financing mechanisms. Key changes include removing requirements for new applications, eliminating displacement percentage rules, and enabling expanded project areas without new approval.

HB 2531 creates tax credits to incentivize converting old office buildings into residential spaces in Missouri downtowns and Main Street districts. Property owners who substantially convert qualifying office buildings (over 50% residential use) to residential or mixed-use spaces can claim a 25% tax credit on eligible renovation costs, or 30% for upper-floor housing in designated Main Street districts. The credits can be transferred multiple times and carried forward up to ten years if they exceed annual tax liability. The program is capped at $50 million annually, with 50% reserved for large buildings (>750,000 sq ft) and 25% specifically for Main Street upper-floor housing projects. It directly affects developers and property owners undertaking downtown revitalization conversions.