Kansas North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC)

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is an outgrowth of an older, established Overall Economic Development Plan (OEDP) which describes the goals and objectives of the NCRPC.

The 2008 CEDS (pdf file, 1.6 MB) draws upon the NCRPC's history and development in conjunction with the knowledge of its current leadership, the natural and cultural resources of the region and the region's historic economy to spell out the organization's mission. The NCRPC does not just play a role in community development; it has a purpose, that being to make North Central Kansas competitive in business and in quality of life with any other region, in or out of Kansas. In so doing, we seek to provide the tools and resources necessary to enable those living in the region to achieve their greatest dreams and to promote the region to those outside now seeking a home.

We welcome critique and constructive comment from those living here, as well as comment and observation from those passing by.

For the past 30 years the North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) has worked diligently with the cities and counties of North Central Kansas in an effort to improve that area we call “home”. Most of our energy has been spent on helping individual places address needed infrastructure, although we have also developed the means by which we can help private enterprise access the financial resources they need to create, expand or save individual business operations. Taken as a whole, our work has certainly focused on the physical demands of the region we serve, but in today’s world, that is not enough.

Since 2000 the NCRPC has taken steps to better provide for human resource development and to prepare for the generational shift associated with the beginning retirement of the “Baby Boomers” and the coming of the “Gen X” and “Milennial” groups. This move was prompted by the fact individuals and organizations alike have requirements that are not being uniformly addressed by state programs or service providers within the region.
Individual leadership and board development, along with market identification, market access and development, production control systems, financial management techniques, workforce training, amongst others, are just some examples of services our communities need in order to remain competitive. And the mindset of those involved must be taken into consideration. The unique thing about human development is such services are consumables not tied to individual place, which means necessary educational and support mechanisms must be developed to make such services accessible to all. The NCRPC believes it can play a major a role in this arena, but only as a catalyst, not as a driver.

Why is a regional approach significant, if not necessary?
We no longer live in a time when our rural cities can or should work in isolation as has been the past habit of most. Aptly defined regions can add value to the mix by providing the critical mass necessary for singular places to compete in the global economy. However, this mass becomes effective only if counties and cities first have the opportunity and desire to work with one another. A regional organization like the NCRPC offers the social network necessary to produce that opportunity. The desire remains the sole responsibility of the individual.
How do we view economic development?

Economic development is one of the engines driving the overall process of community development process, for it affords residents of a community the opportunity to work and accumulate wealth. Its role is to produce sustainable economic prosperity within a defined geography. Success requires continuous growth in leadership and business services; the first to develop a vision of the future and to commit resources; the second to satisfy ever-evolving business needs. It is not something that can be done unilaterally, for it requires cooperation and planning. Nor is it something that happens over night, since requires long-term commitment and investment of both time and money by the stakeholders involved.

How you can become involved?
We invite you to join us in our efforts to make North Central Kansas a better place to live. You are a stakeholder in this region and there are many opportunities for you to become involved, one being to provide input into our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy process.

As you read the contents of this document provided here, please feel free to contact the NCRPC office with any comments you might like to make concerning what it presents or with any suggestions you might have concerning the growth and development of North Central Kansas. The easiest means of making contact is to go to the “Contact Us” section of our website and follow the simple instructions provided.

You can also download the complete 2008 CEDS (pdf file, 1.6 MB)

Produced with funds provided by:

United States Department of Commerce

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

EDA Logo

Updated 9/17/08