Staffing Transitions Announced

Spring brought new roles in the organization for some NCRPC staff members.

Emily Benedick was named Executive Director in March, succeeding Doug McKinney after his retirement. Adding to the leadership team, Lisa Peters accepted the Assistant Director position previously held by Benedick.



Finance Program Assists in Transition of Salina Business

A loyal customer base and a desire to see the business continue were key motivators in Design Central’s succession planning.

Located in downtown Salina, Design Central provides commercial interior design services throughout Kansas. The business specializes in the design and furnishing of new and remodeled spaces such as libraries,



Benedick Named Executive Director

benedickThe North Central Regional Planning Commission Executive Board has named Emily Benedick as the organization’s new Executive Director.

She will succeed Doug McKinney, who last year announced plans to step down from his position this spring. McKinney began with the North Central Regional Planning Commission in 1986 and has been Executive Director since 2008.



Reflections on Transitions, 34 Years with Organization

Column by Doug McKinney

mckinneyAs many of you know by now, I am stepping down as Executive Director of the North Central Regional Planning Commission soon. It is time to place more focus on ailing family members and other important matters.



Rural Voices Winners Announced

rural voices youth contest logoTwo high school seniors in North Central Kansas are being recognized with the John R. Cyr Rural Voices Award for submitting the top entries in the 2019-2020 Rural Voices Youth Contest sponsored by the NCRPC.

Jake Toole,



Communities Awarded CDBG Funds for Projects

Several North Central Kansas communities recently learned they will receive grants to help complete a variety of improvement projects. The funding comes from the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

NCRPC staff assisted with the following projects and will provide project administration.



Positive Results Continue for Home Ownership Pilot Programs

home ownership logoFinancial incentives offered through the NCK Home Ownership Pilot Program’s 2019 expansion to Ellsworth and Lincoln counties assisted in the purchase of 10 homes in Ellsworth County, 6 homes in Lincoln County and 1 in Mitchell County.

The program officially expanded to Ellsworth and Lincoln counties in June 2019.



NCKCN Expands to New Location

nckcn logoThe North Central Kansas Community Network (NCKCN) is expanding! NCKCN now provides its fixed wireless Internet service to residents and businesses in another great rural community: Scandia, KS.

NCKCN is an Internet service provider that was originally formed in 1995 to help connect communities that were underserved by cable or fiber.



Resources in Response to COVID-19

The North Central Regional Planning Commission is working hard to ensure current programs continue to operate as seamlessly as possible during this time. Recognizing the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on individuals and businesses in the region, this resource page is intended to provide helpful information.



Operations Update

To our Partners, Clients and Friends,

The NCRPC offices will be closed beginning March 18 as a precaution to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Staff will be working remotely during this time. Please know that while our office may be closed,



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