Housing, workforce development, broadband connectivity and culture, tourism and recreation were all areas highlighted following a nearly year-long review through Atlas Community Studios in partnership with the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas.
The process began last spring with a series of vision meetings held in Emporia to help identify many of the greatest needs facing the local community. Atlas shared these findings with Emporia City and Lyon County Commissioners during their recent joint meeting Wednesday afternoon.
The areas of need identified by the review, specifically housing and workforce development, did not come as a surprise to local leadership, namely, City Manager Trey Cocking who noted housing and workforce development especially are areas the city has been working hard to address in recent years. That being said, Cocking tells KVOE News having multiple sources identify the same issues is validating as it means the city is allocating its resources to the right place.
As part of Wednesday’s presentation, Atlas listed several potential solutions to the various issues facing the local area. When asked what sets these proposals apart from others in recent years, Atlas CEO Alex Holland tells KVOE News their proposals focus more on cooperative efforts and less on individual initiatives.
Holland noted Wednesday there are several avenues available to acquire Federal funding to help support these various proposed initiatives. Lyon County Commission Chair Rollie Martin spoke with KVOE News Wednesday saying the proposed initiatives may be a different approach than what city or county officials have developed in recent years, however, it all leads to the same goal.
Holland adds if these initiatives were to see development and potential rollout, Atlas would likely be involved in a more hands-on capacity as the company is looking to move away from strategic planning and “roll up our sleeves” to better assist the communities they serve.
