Feedback sought from communities to help shape Reno County’s future

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW) — Communities across Reno County are being asked for their feedback to help shape the county’s future.

The Hutchinson Community Foundation has launched the Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative. The initiative seeks input from every Reno County community and as many residents as possible to help determine priorities and future investments at both the local and county levels.

Ohio-based Innovation Economy Partners has been hired to help collect and analyze data collected from public input. The firm works with the McPherson County Community Foundation and Western Kansas Community Foundation on similar initiatives.

“We have experienced the power of resident engagement and empowerment several times over the last decade, leading to collaborative action and targeted investment of resources,” Kari Mailloux, HCF director of strategic initiatives, said in a news release. “We believe this process will help residents feel heard, identify shared priorities, and have some agency and resources to make progress year after year. Hopefully, it creates a stronger sense of ownership and hope across the county.”

Residents of all ages are encouraged to participate in a community survey located here . The survey can be completed online or downloaded, printed, and filled out by hand and returned to the Hutchinson Community Foundation by the survey deadline of Aug. 4.

Once the data is collected and analyzed, public meetings will be scheduled for September through November to discuss the results with communities, prioritize needs, and brainstorm community projects. Project teams can then apply for grants through the Hutchinson Community Foundation from December through February.

For more details, click here .

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