Survey Results Help Identify Region’s Current Priorities
As an Economic Development Administration (EDA) partnership planning grantee, the NCRPC is responsible for updating a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) at least every 5 years. A CEDS is a document that serves as a tool to help guide regional economic development efforts.
The NCRPC recently conducted a survey to ensure the 2021 CEDS update reflects the current needs and priorities of the region. Several trends emerged as current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for North Central Kansas. The top five of each are listed below. The complete lists will be included in the CEDS draft document that will be available on our website in August.
“Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of our region through the eyes and from the hearts of those who live and work here is so important for our organization,” NCRPC Executive Director Emily Benedick said.
If you would like to learn more about the CEDS planning process, contact Executive Director Emily Benedick using the contact form.
Listed below are the Top 5 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of North Central Kansas gathered from a 2021 public survey conducted by the NCRPC.
Strengths
- Quality of life/low crime rates
- Sense of community
- Rural landscape
- Educational systems and opportunities
- Central location
Opportunities
- Entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial growth
- Housing rehabilitation/development
- Remote working
- Youth engagement and retention
- Business development and support
Weaknesses
- Housing (quality affordable housing)
- Aging infrastructure/vacant buildings
- Childcare availability
- Loss of population
- Aging workforce without replacements
Threats
- Competition from online retail for local businesses
- Declining rural population
- Lack of industry/job diversity
- Competition from urban areas for graduates
- Aging and/or low skilled workforce
This article appeared in the July 2021 NCRPC Newsletter.
