Print edition: 
We are pleased to join our Sedgwick County and regional colleagues in supporting the application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant program. This planning grant incorporates six livability principles important to successful communities: Provide transportation choices. Promote fair and affordable housing. Enhance economic competitiveness. Support existing communities. Leverage federal policies and investment. And value communities and neighborhoods.
The application being prepared by the Regional Economic Area Partnership represents the joint efforts of 22 local governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and private businesses. The funding will allow unprecedented collaboration between stakeholders and governmental bodies in Sedgwick, Butler, Harvey, Reno and Sumner counties to address infrastructure needs, housing challenges, transportation issues and shared economic development opportunities.
Collaboration is crucial to our regional success, because jurisdiction boundaries exist only on a map. They do not stop the flow of water. They do not stop the flow of traffic. They do not stop growth and development. And they do not stop the flow of money.
To remain competitive, we must work across these boundaries and develop a coordinated plan for our future growth and prosperity.
"Sustainability" means we plan and act in ways that assure the long-term viability of our communities, our economy and our standard of living. This often includes identifying and minimizing waste, improving efficiency, setting growth goals, targeting returns on investment, and research and development.
Regional cooperation in providing adequate and efficient infrastructure is essential to our economic success. New industries need ample, well-maintained utilities and roads. Attracting new residents to those jobs will require clean, plentiful drinking water; a variety of housing options; and a vibrant quality of life. A well-designed transportation system will safely and efficiently move people and goods throughout the region. Better coordination between jurisdictions will maximize public investments to keep responsible growth cost-effective and tax rates competitive.
Communities working together can further strengthen our regional economic potential by enhancing the way we live. Affordable housing, livable communities and access to health care and other services are all essential for job creation. The grant will provide a forum for citizens, service providers, employers and other stakeholders to explore innovative quality-of-life improvements.
REAP will take the lead role in the process developed by the regional coalition. This process will allow us to frame our own important issues in ways that reflect the unique values of south-central Kansas. It provides a rare opportunity to bring local dollars back home to be reinvested in planning the sustainable future we envision for our children and their children. Individual communities and organizations will be free to implement the plan to the degree they wish in ways that work for them.
If you're interested in this discussion, please educate yourself on this application and planning process. Examine how our region is trying to improve how it operates and make better use of taxpayer dollars. Study how sustainable community development practices can improve our standing in the global marketplace. We invite you to join us in this important work.
