Supported by the “Power Our Potential” initiative of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Advantage Manhattan economic development plan, the Greater Manhattan Community and Economic Development Strategy will bring the community together behind a consensus vision for a thriving, sustainable, and equitable future for the Central Flint Hills region. Extensive quantitative research will be paired with comprehensive outreach to Manhattan Area leaders and constituencies to inform the development of an action plan designed to be effectively implemented by the Chamber and its partners across the public and private sectors.
The key components of this project include:
In today’s competitive economic climate, it is important that regional leaders have an honest appraisal of current trends affecting the Manhattan Area’s economy. The Community Assessment takes a detailed look at a diverse array of indicators that impact Greater Manhattan’s economic competitiveness and compares these trends to three strong benchmark communities – Columbia, Missouri, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Ames, Iowa – the state of Kansas and the nation. Research and findings will be structured according to key narrative “stories” that emerge from the analysis. To supplement the statistical data from local, state and national agencies, the Assessment will also include public input through focus groups, interviews, and an online community survey.
