 Housing Update
Last week the City's Community Development office released the 2025 Housing Report, a look at current housing developments underway as well as those in the pipeline. 2024 was a banner year for housing growth in Newton, with 119 housing starts, most of those in the newly developed Fox Ridge addition. As of July 30, we've had 36 new housing starts in 2025.
New housing inventory includes:
- 19 single-family homes, 38 duplexes, and 11 triplexes at Fox Ridge. Lease rates are $1,350-$1,595, and units are filling as they are completed.
- 16 duplexes (32 units) at Mennonite Housing's 55+ development, Harvest Pointe.
Upcoming housing projects include:
- An additional 14 duplexes (28 units) planned for phase 2 of Harvest Pointe, as Mennonite Housing has been awarded 2026 grant funding from the Kansas Housing Resources Commission.
- 70 lots listed by Bannister Real Estate at 24th and Anderson near Sand Creek Station Golf Course.
- 65 buildable lots listed by Lange Real Estate at Sand Creek Station, with infrastructure targeted for mid-2026.
- Eight apartment units at 129 W. Sixth St., with $1,000-$1,200 expected lease rates, available late this year.
- A housing component on the Occidental Management property on South Kansas Avenue is under review, with a possible start late this year.
- Prairie View is planning three duplexes as transitional housing for patients.
- EmberHope plans to begin construction this fall on 12 duplexes, six triplexes, and a 20-unit apartment.
The City plans to complete a new housing study by the end of this year, which will become a vital tool for developers as they consider what types of housing will best fit Newton's market.
Newton Next
Our new comprehensive planning initiative, Newton Next, has begun! Community members are encouraged to get involved by visiting the project website at NewtonNextPlan.com. There, you can:
- Join the Community Voices Team to provide your insights, assist the Planning Team in the direction and recommendations of the plan, and advocate for the plan.
- Sign up for email updates.
- Mark your calendar for upcoming events and engagement opportunities.
A community survey is also planned in the next few weeks to gather input from residents. A random sample of households will receive a paper survey by mail, and an online version will also be available. Stay tuned!
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Responsible Pet Owner Month
September is Responsible Pet Owner Month! Being a responsible pet owner means knowing the rules and resources that help everyone thrive. The Animal Control page on the City's website is a great resource for pertinent info such as:
- Leash Laws
- Lost & Found Pets
- Licensing & City Ordinances
- Strays & Wildlife
September City Desk
Join us for the next installment of City Desk, our new community outreach initiative. Come out to Moxie Community Pub on Sept. 19, where City Clerk Denise Duerksen and Communications Coordinator Sara Kelly will share insights and answer your questions about local projects, outreach events, services, and City decisions.
It’s a great chance to connect, learn, and be part of the conversation shaping our community! Card and board games will be on site – so come ready to battle it out!
4-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at Moxie's Community Pub, 1420 Old Main
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 Leadership Book Club
Building leaders, one chapter at a time! Since 2017, City of Newton employees have had the opportunity to participate in a special book club focused on leadership development and organizational growth.
Employees volunteer their own time to read and then gather for group discussions, sharing ideas and insights that help us grow together — both as individuals and as a team. Over the years, selections have included inspiring reads like:
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"Start with Why" by Simon Sinek
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"The Servant Leader" by James Autry
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"Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown
- And our current pick: "Turn the Ship Around" by L. David Marquet
This program has sparked meaningful conversations, built stronger relationships across departments, and helped us discover new ways to better serve our community.
Upcoming Events
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Third Thursday – 5-8 p.m. Sept. 18 in downtown Newton. September's theme: Newton Schools Night
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Coffee & Cops, 7-10 a.m. Sept. 26 at Norm's Coffee Bar.
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Kids Art Carnival – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 27 at Carriage Factory Art Gallery. Free arts activities for kids, games, prizes and more.
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United Way Chili Cookoff – 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 27 on West Sixth Street. Taste chili from more than 20 booths and support local nonprofits.
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Blues, Brews & Barbecue – 6 p.m. Sept. 27 at Athletic Park. Free concert featuring Levee Town and opener Flattland.
See all of the upcoming events at our Community Events listing on Choose-Newton.com.
Meetings & Reminders:
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