The Kansas Center for Community Economic Development is one of 65 university economic development centers across the country to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce. It focuses primarily on providing community building and economic development assistance to small and mid-sized Kansas communities.

During its last fiscal year, which ended in April, the center provided technical assistance to 15 communities or groups and hosted eight regional workshops and two statewide conferences. Among the projects it recently worked on or currently is working on are:

Conducting a series of workshops with Reno County and Hutchinson to increase tourism in the area and spur population and business growth in the county.

Working with Woodbine to develop a community day-care program to assist parents who commute to the Junction City area.

Provided Lawrence and Douglas County with an updated economic trend report.

Began working with Harper County on a new strategic plan.

Completed an economic and demographic trend report for Jewell County.

Assisted the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce with its community assessment survey.

Worked with Wamego on developing a “first impressions” report that measured the various perceptions visitors and residents had of the community.