Wichita Eco Devo People Evaluate Their Next Move

With Boeing’s departure, and several other big economic development victories going to other cities in the state, folks in Wichita are asking themselves why they are not winning more projects. In the next couple of months, city and business leaders will try to decide if the community is up to the challenge of doing the difficult things that will likely have to happen to remain competitive when attracting new businesses or industries. There are four areas that leaders believe must be addressed, and it won’t be popular with everyone.

One likely piece is a large, well-developed industrial park where land or buildings can be given away to the right prospect. Another is a sizable pot of money for closing deals. A third is an extensive and expensive promotions budget. A fourth is to finally get serious about building ties with the rest of south-central Kansas.

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