< Previous88 KANSAS: THE NEW GOLD STANDARD A Renovation Renaissance Rural Communities Benefi t from CDBG Program. rom bustling cities to small towns, communities across Kansas are reaping the benefi ts that coincide with a booming economy. Every corner of the state is buzzing with activity, inspired not only by corporate expansion but an array of community development initiatives. With the support of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, Kansas’ rural communities are receiving the resources they need to strengthen multiple facets of their economies. This program by LINDSAY LOPP Local economies receive support for improvement projects. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FKANSAS: THE NEW GOLD STANDARD 89 provides federal funds to local governments, investing in revitalization projects that address housing, public facility and economic needs. In July, Governor Laura Kelly awarded 24 communities in rural counties a share of close to $7.9 million in federal grants. These awards will also be matched with local funding, allowing for around $17 million to be utilized for improvement projects. As stated in the press release, CDBG awards cover five program areas: •Community Centers, Parks & Libraries: funds projects to increase community engagement, health, connectedness, and vibrancy in communities. Morland, for example, was one of the 13 award recipients. The city has proposed a project to construct a looped trail/ walking path around Morland City Park and the addition of new curbs, gutters, and ADA- accessible parking. •Sidewalks & Trails: funds projects that connect community members to services, community centers, schools, and recreational areas. Wathena will use this funding to construct a wide sidewalk, retaining wall, utility modifications, pavement marking and surface restorations in their community. •Childcare Facilities: funds projects to address the childcare shortage in Kansas. These grants help fund the construction of facilities and cannot be used for operations. Hillsboro will use these funds to renovate a building that will provide childcare to 99 children in the community. Cowley County’s Arkansas City is one of the 48 places that has received a grant from the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) program. Photo courtesy of Kansas Tourism90 KANSAS: THE NEW GOLD STANDARD •Youth Job Training: funds projects to address the needs of at-risk youth in workforce training and development. Sumner County will use this funding to assist low- to moderate-income high school students in attending classes at a local community college. Classes will focus on trade and technical skills to address workforce needs identified in their community. •ADA Improvements: fund projects that increase access to essential goods and services in downtown or Main Street districts and other non- residential buildings in the community. Cottonwood Falls will use its funding to remove barriers for nine businesses, including installing ramps and door openers and increasing door widths to improve ADA access for community members. “These revitalization projects will help improve the overall business and residential appeal of these communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said in July. “Investing in these specific assets will help spur further economic development in areas of need throughout the state.” WHAT’S OLD IS NEW Thanks to the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) program, new life is being breathed into previously vacant and dilapidated downtown buildings throughout Kansas. Led by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation, this program aims to transform rundown buildings into economic assets, inviting opportunities for new and expanding businesses, housing, arts and cultural centers, civic engagement, childcare and entrepreneurial ventures to set up shop in every region. In June, the program announced that out of 30 applicants, 17 were selected to receive funding from its third round, totaling nearly $918,000 in matching grant funds. A restaurant, boutique hotel, coffee shop and bakery, brewery and childcare center, were among the projects supported during this cycle. “Through multiple rounds of the HEAL program, it has been rewarding to see how different rural communities work collaboratively to display their own unique sense of place and pride,” said Patterson Family Foundation President Lindsey Patterson Smith in a press release. “We have enjoyed working with the Department of Commerce and “ These revitalization projects will help improve the overall business and residential appeal of these communities. ” — David Toland, Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerceits partners on a program that is creating meaningful opportunities through revitalization. It will be exciting to see these projects get implemented.” Since the program was launched in 2021, 63 projects in 48 counties have received funding, totaling $3.5 million in awards. These projects are not only reshaping communities, but the lives of Kansans across the state. Christina Beringer, owner of Nesting, a popular baby and maternity boutique in Colby, described receiving a grant from the HEAL program as an “opportunity to make all of our dreams come true — faster and better.” Beringer was among the program’s first round of awardees, receiving $65,000 to restore a building in Colby’s downtown district and relocate her business there. The renovated multi-use property is now also home to another of Beringer’s entrepreneurial pursuits, Beringer Consultations, which specializes in public relations, fundraising, event planning and grant writing. “I hope that it is a sign to other people that there are good projects that can be done in small towns, in downtowns, and there are resources available to see success and do the same in their town. One or two good projects in a town can really change the dynamic immediately,” said GW Weld, another grant recipient, in a testimonial from the Kansas Department of Commerce. With the support of a HEAL grant, the CDBG program and Kansas State Historic Preservation Office tax credits, Weld and his wife, Kathy, were able to restore a building in downtown Eudora that was originally built in 1860. Now, two new businesses thrive in the revitalized space. For the upcoming fourth round, HEAL funds have increased to $1.5 million. By raising the maximum award to $100,000, extending the application period and requiring formal bids from licensed contractors, the HEAL program’s administrators hope to set up grant recipients for even greater success. t may surprise you to know that within the confi nes of the Sunfl ower State there is an array of serene getaways tucked away within the tallgrass prairie, bluffs and rolling hills of the Smoky Valley and beyond. Art and culture have found their respective grooves and have lasted here for generations, transcending time and taking one back to a place where nature serves as the greatest escape. If you happen to fi nd yourself looking for a new experience outside of city lights, Kansas has the ideal locations to explore. MATFIELD GREEN Located an hour northeast of Wichita, within Chase County, the city of Matfi eld Green was established as an agricultural community dating back to 1867. Today, life in Kansas’ Flint Hills remains picturesque with just over 50 residents who call this tallgrass prairie home. Communities like Matfi eld Green are few and far between in an increasingly urban world, making a staycation here one of pure relaxation. The most commotion one will experience can be heard from the BNSF train that runs through town every few hours. While agriculture holds its roots, the community is made up of much more than farmers. Creatives such as artists, photographers, journalists and graphic designers nurtured a growing arts community. Take it from resident Bill McBride, who left the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, and his architectural fi rm to pursue his dreams of becoming a sculptor within the state’s prairieland. “I became a prairie enthusiast when I was in Chicago,” says McBride. “So, I decided to retire early from architecture and spend more time doing sculptures inspired by the prairie. I have this path that I take care of and when I’m doing chores, I fi nd things that inspire me and make my art out of what I fi nd.” McBride and his wife, Jill, along with two friends, soon purchased 47 acres of prairieland once used to transport cattle by rail and house workers. Known today as Matfi eld Station, visitors can stay at the on-site bunkhouse to explore the outdoor landscape and take in McBride’s art along the four-mile PrairyArt Path. In this small community sustainability is a key focus to preserving the innate beauty of the town, which means any new development is intentional. Drawing visitors does not mean an infl ux of retail, but rather an avenue to enjoy the environment. “We’re located on the National Scenic Byway and there’s just no place to stop. Matfi eld Green Works is looking to welcome people here, so we’re building a park with public restrooms, a picnic shelter, a bike repair stand and bike racks and things of that nature,” says McBride. A day or weekend spent in by ALEXIS ELMORE I Artistic Havens: A Kansan Escape ART HAVENS & CREATIVE COMMUNITIES 92 KANSAS: THE NEW GOLD STANDARD Matfield Green Photo courtesy of Bill McBride Cottonwood Falls. Photo courtesy of Kansas Tourism Folk Art in Lucas. Photo courtesy of Kansas Tourism Kansas State Fair Mural, Hutchinson. Photo courtesy of Kansas TourismKANSAS: THE NEW GOLD STANDARD 93 Matfi eld Green will help you tap into your creative self. Stop by Matfi eld Green Works to take in locally produced art and connect to the community. Round out the day with a stay at Matfi eld Station, or simply take a walk down the PrairyArt Path to catch a glimpse of the natural beauty the environment provides. Who knows? You might be inspired yourself. STRAWBERRY HILL, KANSAS CITY Named after strawberry vines that adorned the community’s hillside, Strawberry Hill was a refuge for immigrants coming from Europe in the early 1900s. Located in Kansas City, Kansas, the bluffs region overlooks the beauty of the Kansas and Missouri rivers forming together as one. It can be hard to put Strawberry Hill’s history into words, especially as decades have come and gone. The best way to know is to be immersed in it fi rsthand. That is why one can easily spend time in the city and take off on Kansas City’s Legacy Trail, which takes visitors on a trip through the rich history and culture that made the region what it is today. Eastern European, Latino, Black and Indigenous Peoples’ cultures intertwine throughout the murals, art, museums and historical sites surrounding the community that share moments of the diverse legacy that lives on. If you fi nd yourself in town from May to October, local art studio Epic Arts hosts an Art Walk every third Friday that takes residents and visitors around Strawberry Hill to delve into the arts scene. Here, local artists and businesses gather to share their creativity and celebrate with music, food and most importantly art to bring the community together. With that in mind, the diverse food scene in both Strawberry Hill and Kansas City brings artistry to new levels. Forget the chain franchise: From tender barbeque to handmade tortillas and more, there are fl avors bound to meet the needs of the whole crew. Don’t forget to wash it down with a trip to Rowe Ridge Vineyard and Winery or Range 23 Brewing. TOPEKA One of the state’s most populous cities and capital, Topeka is home to quite the creative community. On the city’s north side, the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District houses a multitude of art from murals, sculptures, performance art to stand- alone projects. The best way to see it all? By partaking in the NOTO Art Health Walk. The art scattered throughout the entire district is clustered in a way that allows for a perfect excuse to explore by foot and interact with new and old pieces, while getting in a healthy dose of exercise fi t for any age. Colorful and intricate murals can be found around every corner and are bound to captivate visitors who can transport themselves through time to gain knowledge on the region’s history. A perfect example can be found at the United Methodist Church, a wrap-around mural created in 2014 by artists January Keifer, Norbert Kampsen and Tom Lynn. This piece encapsulates a message of healing, compassion, forgiveness and setting aside differences, connecting Native American history to every level of life found in Kansas. Elevate this tour by stopping in at local retail and dining establishments in the district. From handmade jewelry, ceramics and glass-blown art it’s easy to make and bring home your own unique piece of the community. Every season provides a reason for celebration, making NOTO the ideal location to bring the family together for a new experience. To kick off the spring season, the Redbud Festival celebrates the arrival of renewed life in nature and its impact on the generations of art from April to May. From May to September, on every third Friday, gather in the district’s Redbud Park for a free concert series to listen to an array of acclaimed to emerging local artists. Who knows, you might fi nd a favorite new band or artist. Round out the year with Celebrations of Winter in November and December to see holiday lights adorn town and view everything NOTO Arts District has to offer by carriage. Noto District Photo courtesy of NOTO Arts District Downtown Salina Sculpture Tour. Photo courtesy of Kansas Tourism Lindsborg Wild Dala Horses. Photo courtesy of Kansas Tourism Horizontes, Beachner Grain Elevator, Wichita Photo courtesy of Kansas Tourism Matfield Green Photo courtesy of Bill McBridehether it’s housing, utilities, transportation or groceries, in today’s economic climate, the prices of life’s essentials can be high. Luckily for Kansans, the Sunflower State is on the brighter side of this national issue. Ranked by Forbes as the second Cheapest State to Live in 2023, Kansas simultaneously boasts affordable housing, a low cost of living and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. With its economy soaring to new heights and thousands of new jobs opening across the state, Kansas is a place where affordability continues to reign supreme. by LINDSAY LOPP W There’s No Place Like Kansas QUALITY OF LIFE 94 KANSAS: THE NEW GOLD STANDARD The Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail at Wilson State Park. Photo courtesy of Kansas TourismKANSAS: THE NEW GOLD STANDARD 95 HOME SWEET HOME While housing costs have skyrocketed everywhere else in America, in Kansas it sits at 27.4% below the national average. Topeka, the state capital, is the No.1 emerging affordable housing market, according to The Wall Street Journal and Relator.com’s Emerging Housing Markets Index. The index reached this verdict by comparing 300 of the largest metropolitans in the U.S., ranking the areas based on the housing market, cost of living and if the local economy is thriving. With multiple large employers in government, healthcare, and manufacturing, as well as a variety of dining and entertainment options located in the area, 96 KANSAS: THE NEW GOLD STANDARD Topeka is a hub of opportunity for both work and play. In a similar vein, sitting on the state border, Overland Park, one of the largest suburbs of Kansas City, was listed among the top five best cities to live in in the U.S. by Livability. Home to a diverse selection of restaurants, parks, art museums and locally owned boutiques, Overland Park is bustling with young professionals, drawn in by the vibrant job market the region presents. INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT For the last two consecutive years, Kansas has received the most private investment projects per capita, winning Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup. This ever-growing list of expansion projects has impacted the state’s unemployment rate, which dropped from 6.2% in 2020 to 2.9% as of 2022. Museum at Prairiefire in Overland Park Photo courtesy of Kansas Tourism Wilson State Park boasts opportunities to hike, bike, sail, swim, kayak, water-ski and more. Photo courtesy of Kansas TourismKANSAS: THE NEW GOLD STANDARD 97 According to a report released by Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research, by the end of 2023, Kansas was projected to add over 25,000 jobs, a 1.8% growth rate. This success is only expected to increase as we enter 2024. With the state securing a handful of major investments in semiconductor and electric battery production, its durable manufacturing industry is projected to grow by 4.1% in the coming year. The report also stated that with demand increasing for IT consulting, system integration and cybersecurity, Kansas’ professional and business services sector is expected to grow by 1.2%. As job opportunities in a variety of industries and skillsets continue to become increasingly available, those located or looking to relocate to the Sunflower State can rest easy when it comes to employment. Not only are people able to find jobs, but the life the landscape offers allows them to make the most out of their money. PREPARE TO BE ENTERTAINED Kansas’ rolling plains hold more than houses and office buildings. With 25 state parks, spanning 32,000 acres of land, 500 miles of trail, 10,000 campsites and access to more than 130,000 surface acres of water, many come to the Sunflower State to engage in outdoor adventure. From biking and hiking to canoeing and sailing, there are a variety of ways to explore Kansas’ diverse landscape. Some even choose to do it on horseback. With more than 300 miles of equestrian trails, guests can gallop through woodlands, open prairie, on shorelines and across streams at locations such as Perry Lake State Park, El Dorado State Park and Eisenhower State Park, to name a few. If hooves aren’t your forte, at Wilson State Park’s Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail, visitors can race down more than 20 miles of scenic paths, featuring towering red rock formations, native wildlife and breathtaking views. This park is a far cry from the thick fields Kansas is known for. Outdoor enthusiasts come to this oasis not only to bike, but to sail, water-ski and kayak along the rocky shoreline and shallow canyons. Beyond the great outdoors, cities throughout Kansas boast lively options for entertainment. Wichita, Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Topeka, Salina, Lawrence and so many more are all brimming with live-music venues, museums, annual festivals, breweries and of course, Kansas City BBQ, with every city and small town offering a taste of what the region is famous for. Much like the state’s economic climate, it’s a flavor you won’t find anywhere else. The region is famous for its finger-licking-good Kansas City BBQ. Photo courtesy of Kansas TourismNext >