Economic Development in Medium-Sized Non-Metropolitan Kansas Communities

Abstract

he Kansas economy is adjusting to structural changes in the national and world economies. Rural communities, in particular, are contending with declines in the agricultural and petroleum sectors, which have always constituted the backbone of their communities. To offset the effects of declines in traditional industries, Kansas cities are relying more on economic development techniques.

Although Kansas has a state-level economic development strategy, the effort of each local community is also crucial to economic development. When planning to relocate, expand or start a business, a business looks at what communities have to offer at least as carefully as they consider state policies. If Kansas is to remain competitive in the national as well as international. economy, its cities and towns must be strong in their economic development efforts.

This report investigates what medium-sized communities in rural Kansas are doing to encourage economic development.