In short, our economic success as a region depends on it.
We have learned from other communities that where there is focus on a few priorities, more is accomplished. More in terms of jobs, in retaining and recruiting young people, and in ensuring we have a vibrant central business district.
Visioneering is the comprehensive long-range planning initiative for the region. Last fall our public leaders challenged Visioneering in a letter from Mayor Brewer and then-Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Unruh.
The challenge was simple but significant: Identify where we as a region have momentum, and tell us where we need to focus to make sure Wichita and the surrounding communities remain strong, viable and competitive - a place where people want to live and work.
Visioneering soon joined forces with the Young Professionals of Wichita (YPW) and Wichita Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) to meet this challenge. Funding was provided in part by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
In the past few months, Visioneering engaged more than 265 people from 140 organizations throughout the region. They were asked about their successes, as well as what they believed needed to be accomplished in the next few years.
As a result, eight priorities were identified in three broad categories. These eight priorities came from the people working closest to the region's plan, but now is time to hear from the broader community.
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