businesses did not feel appreciated historically, and we are really working to turn the corner to support and provide resources for our local businesses to build a thriving business climate.” Robert adds that incentives are also in place for developers and property owners in the form of a tax abatement neighborhood revitalization program.“So, if you want to redevelop a business or a residence, there are tax incentives to do so,” he affirms. On the industrial side, recent changes have opened new doors. “We’ve had a large manufacturer leave the city of Osage City through a purchase and consolidation,” Robert expands.“So we currently have a 200,000 square foot facility, and it’s provided the catalyst to really get our incentive ideas in order and get them codified.” Osage County is developing incentive packages to attract new tenants, and a new workforce development portal on the county website will share demographics, education, and labor force data for potential investors and employers. “When we think about recruiting new industry to Osage City, we understand that it’s not just housing and workforce determiners. It is a welcoming community with a vibrant downtown. High-speed broadband and all the other amenities that families and new businesses are looking for,” Mendoza stresses. INFRASTRUCTURE FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES The county has partnered with the Kansas Infrastructure Hub to secure funds for projects, such as a Safe Streets for All grant, which is intended to improve sidewalks and streets promoting pedestrian and road safety.“In these small communities, without access to matching funds, large street and sidewalk projects just never get off the ground,” Mendoza acknowledges. “Wherever we have requested help, the Kansas Infrastructure Hub has provided matching funds.” The county also continues to pursue development of a transload rail facility, leveraging the BNSF main 167 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 OSAGE COUNTY, KS
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