is also home to Eisenhower State Park. Together, these natural assets draw nearly a million visitors each year and contribute $12.5 million to the local economy. “We are proud to celebrate our agricultural roots, rural lifestyle, safe communities, and tremendous quality of life here,” says Colleen Mendoza, Osage County Economic Development Director.“We are an hour from Kansas City, 30 minutes from Topeka, two hours from Wichita, right off primary transportation corridors I-70 and I-35. Our proximity to growing markets with direct access to a strong logistic network makes us uniquely positioned for economic growth.” A FRESH APPROACH Osage County’s new branding initiative, DiscoverOsage.com, showcases that unique positioning. The website highlights outdoor recreation, lake life, and community charm through the tagline “Explore, Discover, Renew.” The site also celebrates the individual character of each community, from Burlingame, home to the widest brick Main Street in the country, to the thriving city of Osage City, and even the uninhabited community of Arvonia, showcasing the rich Welsh history of the former farming town. Osage is also working with neighboring counties to launch Drive 75, a regional marketing initiative celebrating communities along the U.S. 75 corridor. “Historically, collaboration in small rural communities has been unknown, we are changing that here in Osage County” Mendoza notes. “Our communities recognize we are stronger together. We have an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen the I-75 corridor, and collaboration is a huge part of how we are doing that.” BUILDING COMMUNITIES Revitalization efforts are ongoing, with new development happening on all fronts. In the county seat of Lyndon, residents recently celebrated the opening of a new community center, funded through a state grant. Other recent additions include the Jones Park Sunflower Disc Golf Course, and pickleball courts both popular attractions. Former Osage City Mayor Quintin Robert, now owner of QRC Business Consulting, notes that housing and redevelopment are top priorities. He says a Moderate-Income Housing (MIH) grant has jump started construction on 15 new homes in Osage City, while the community of Carbondale is welcoming a new 40 unit Tucker Subdivision. “Carbondale is a community that has not seen significant development since the 70’s,” remarks Mendoza. “It is very rewarding to see the momentum in the community growing. We are working on a downtown revitalization effort there as well as a 165 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 OSAGE COUNTY, KS
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