SEPT 2025 VOL 06 BUSINESS VIEW CIVIL & MUNICIPAL VERNON ALSO IN THIS ISSUE SOCORRO, TX • NEW ULM, MN • LAKE COUNTY SCHOOLS GECU Create he World You Believe In Pg. 157 WHERE LEARNING TAKES FOCUS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Thomas Hiley Chad Loveless Jessica Zaneis Dylan Tenbrink Clementine Walton Caroline Verner Javier Robles Contributing Writers Andrew Macfarlane Michelle Mahoney Brett Anningson Caroline Verner-Hiley Al Krulick Ian Gyan Dan Marcharia Veronica Enair Vice President of Production Jared Ali Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
EDITOR’S NOTES If there is one thing that September signifies, it’s undoubtedly new beginnings. Schools are back in full swing and the wrap of summer indicates new adventures ahead. This September is no exception. As the march towards autumn beckons, all fiscal indicators remain positive as we dive into our September issue. With our finger firmly on the pulse of all things business, aviation, and municipal, we continue to uncover favorable things ahead for the organizations we covered in our September issue. For our September issue, we touched down at Billings Logan International Airport, Cherry Capital Airport and Evansville Regional Airport. We had the opportunity to speak at length with all three of these dynamic Airport Directors to talk about all things aviation. With a firm navigational map in hand, each airport has produced results that signal growth on the horizon as they work to accommodate aviation growth ahead. From flying high to getting the civic job done, we had the opportunity to profile some thriving and dynamic municipalities for our September issue. Our features detail each municipality’s top initiatives and look into their masterplans ahead. Business View’s September pages are filled with captivating features with city officials from Atchison, Kansas, Centralia, Washington, Covington, Washington, Crandall, Texas, Denison, Texas, Escanaba City, Minnesota, East Ridge, Tennessee, Frederick, Oklahoma, Hardeeville, South Carolina, Midland Texas and Marion, Arizona, among other fast-growing municipalities. Turning to business growth, we also covered impressive and fast-growing companies and organizations, including Five Guys Roofing, All American Pet Resorts, H&H Product Company Inc, Griffith Company, Stress Engineering services, and the Rochester Athletic Club among others. These companies show leadership and produce noteworthy projects to strengthen their business foothold and point their economic GPS towards further growth. Our September issue also continues to bring you our popular school district series. We had the opportunity to sit down with school officials from several leading school districts to discuss the pivot to the changing demands of the economy and their innovative approaches to ensure students are college and career-ready while always being put first. We spoke with the Greater Jasper Consolidated School DIstrict, Kennedale Independent School District, Jarrell Independent School District, Lake County Schools and the Vernon Independent School District among others. Providing students with hands-on educational opportunities and real-world experiences is propelling these school districts into leading roles within their communities and beyond. As we continue to bring you sector and industryfocused features, we will keep a keen eye on current economic developments and business readiness to provide the best business view. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
CITY VIEW 19 ATCHISON, KS Betting Big on Medical School Plans and Aviation Heritage 33 GEARY COUNTY, KS Building $2 Billion Success Story on Military Partnership 43 PITTSBURG, KS Revitalizing Roots: Pittsburg’s Bold Vision for Downtown, Industry, and Housing 53 RENO COUNTY, KS How Reno County’s Salt Mines Built America’s 11th Most Diverse Economy VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 COVER VERNON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES 63 CENTRALIA, WA A City Rooted in Legacy, Growing Toward the Future 73 COVINGTON, WA Rooted in Community 83 MAPLE VALLEY, WA Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Thriving on Community and Commerce 93 CRANDALL, TX A Small Community Expertly Navigating Big City Growth 103 DENISON, TX Railroad Heritage City Rebuilds Around Semiconductor Manufacturing Supply Chain ATCHISON, KS DENISON, TX 19 103 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 117 LITTLE ELM, TX Lakeside Living 127 MIDLAND, TX Reimagining a Diversified Future 153 SOCORRO, TX A Rural Gem Poised for Purposeful Growth 163 EAST RIDGE, TN Outcompeting Georgia Neighbors with Strategic Municipal Policy 173 EL MIRAGE, AZ At the Gateway of Growth 183 ESCANABA CITY, MI A Renaissance of Growth and Opportunity 193 SCHOOLCRAFT TOWNSHIP, MI An Historic Gem LITTLE ELM, TX HARDEEVILLE, SC 117 223 203 NEW ULM, MN Progress Intersects With Growth 213 FREDERICK, OK Punching Above its Weight 223 HARDEEVILLE, SC How South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing City Engineered an Economic Miracle 237 LORAIN, OH Transforming from Rust Belt Relic to High-Tech Hub on Lake Erie 247 MARION, AR Where Small-Town Charm Meets Big-City Access 257 NORTH DUNDAS, ON Proud of a Strong Agricultural Heritage 267 UPLAND, CA Sun, Stunning Views, and a City That Has it All 277 UTAH COUNTY, UT From Farming to Supporting Rapid Population Growth 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. EDUCATION 293 CAREER TECH NEW JERSEY (CTNJ) A Century of Impact 299 ABILENE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Cultivating Character and Career Readiness in Eisenhower’s Hometown 309 GREATER JASPER CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS Pioneering Education Through Innovation 323 GRUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Cultivating Community and Building Better Neighbors 333 JARRELL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Education Through Innovation 343 KENNEDALE ISD Reimagining the Classroom 353 LAKE COUNTY SCHOOLS Providing Unlimited Opportunities to Students JARRELL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NORTH POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 333 385 371 MOSINEE SCHOOL DISTRICT Moving Beyond the Conventional to Rethink Education 385 NORTH POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Building Tomorrow’s Workforce 395 ST. CLOUD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Students at its Heart 405 THRALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow 415 VERNON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Where Learning Takes Focus 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
AMAZON PLEDGED TO DELIVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO THE PUGET SOUND REGION. IT JUST HIT 10,000 UNITS. Source: www.smartcitiesdive.com, Ryan Kushner, First Published September 19th, 2025 The milestone resulted from the company’s $900 million investment in housing that will remain affordable for 99 years. DIVE BRIEF: Amazon announced it has helped build or preserve more than 10,000 affordable housing units in the Puget Sound region, following through on a pledge made in 2021 to boost supply. The online retail giant, headquartered in Seattle, said it has invested more than $900 million in affordable housing in the region, benefitting 22,000 residents. It has worked with local developers and housing authorities to meet the milestone, issuing grants and below-market loans from its multi-billion-dollar housing fund. Opening Lines 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
The company brought a flood of high-paying tech positions to the area, pricing many medium- and lowincome households out of the market, some experts say. In 2024, the area’s median home price surged to $755,000, the second highest in the nation. Amazon committed $2 billion in 2021 to help establish more than 20,000 affordable housing options in three areas it most impacted: the Puget Sound region, Arlington, Virginia, and Nashville, Tennessee. Last year, the company announced it had exceeded that goal two years ahead of schedule. Amazon is not the only tech juggernaut promising to fund affordable housing. Microsoft, also based in Washington, committed $73 million in affordable housing grants and investments to the Puget Sound region in 2022. Google, Meta and Apple have pledged to bridge the affordability gap in other regions, as well, but a recent Wall Street Journal report revealed mixed results so far. Joe Thompson, president of Mercy Housing Northwest, which owns and operates affordable housing units in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, said Amazon’s impact on affordable housing development in the Puget Sound region has been “transformative.” In its 2024 impact report, Amazon said its fund has helped increase affordable housing units in Bellevue, Washington, by 31%. “Their approach combines critical financial resources with a genuine commitment to long-term community stability through 99-year affordability requirements,” Thompson said in a release. “At Connection Angle Lake, this partnership allowed us to create not just housing, but a community where residents can thrive near transit, jobs, and services.” Amazon said it is committed to keeping the housing affordable for 99 years. A majority of the housing supports households that earn 30% to 80% of the area median income, which in the Puget Sound region is $106,100. DIVE INSIGHT: Greater Seattle has a housing affordability problem. In 2021,Amazon announced it would open its wallet to help address the issue. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
OPENING LINES FTA ADMINISTRATOR PLEDGES PARTNERSHIP WITH TRANSIT AUTHORITIES ON SAFETY, EFFICIENCY, ACCESSIBILITY Source: www.smartcitiesdive.com, Dan Zukowski, First Published September 17th, 2025 Federal Transit Administrator Marcus Molinaro promised to reduce regulatory burdens and accelerate project delivery while urging transit agencies to address crime and operate efficiently. DIVE BRIEF: • Federal Transit Administrator Marcus Molinaro said safety, efficiency and accessibility are among the agency’s top priorities during an address Monday at the American Public Transportation Association’s annual meeting in Boston. • Molinaro emphasized the FTA’s role as a partner in helping people get where they need to go and the role of local authorities in transit development and public safety. • “American families want to trust that when they enter and make use of a public transportation system, that they will get to where they’re going efficiently, effectively, affordably and safely,” he said. DIVE INSIGHT: A new administration in the White House brought changes in federal priorities for cities, states and transit authorities this year. In April, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened funding for projects that include diversity, equity and inclusion practices. In August, the FTA proposed new guidelines that would eliminate the “social cost of carbon” calculation for Capital Investment Grant programs, returning to a methodology used before 2013. During Monday’s speech, Molinaro outlined the main priorities for transit agencies, governing bodies and the FTA. 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
Ensure that transit authorities efficiently manage their systems.“We’re going to put priority on making sure that the system you have is invested in before we start looking at things that may not necessarily generate new revenue opportunity,” he said.The FTA will “start measuring transit as it relates to economic growth [and] economic opportunity.” Streamline regulations to speed up project delivery. “Secretary Duffy wants to build big, wants to build fast, wants to build on time and under budget” by “cutting red tape, reforming some of our regulatory environments, making it easier to navigate through the maze of federal, state and local agencies,” Molinaro said. Along with other federal agencies, the Transportation Department began updating its procedures for complying with the National Environmental Policy Act. The DOT said in the Federal Register that these changes would improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary delays. Support U.S. transit equipment manufacturers. Molinaro emphasized the need to ensure that major manufacturers of rolling stock and transit buses have reliable resources, allowing them to have “clear expectations for delivering for transit agencies.” He also urged agencies and cities to leverage publicprivate partnerships.“If your local municipality hasn’t confronted density of development so that you can actually get the kind of dense infill in and around transit hubs and connectors, we’re going to think differently about your proposal.” Molinaro summed up by saying that “every decision should be based on one question: Will this make transit safer, more accessible and more useful for American families?” Reduce crime on transit systems. “The safety of those who rely on transportation systems around America and the security of their systems is without question the top priority of this administration, and we will confront it boldly, bluntly and in some ways unorthodox,” Molinaro said. Assaults, robberies, drug use and fare evasion should not be “normalized,” he said, adding that local leaders who tolerate these crimes make transit systems less safe. “Buses aren’t roaming homeless shelters,”he said.“We cannot allow an environment [on transit property] that breeds lawlessness.” Increase accessibility for transit riders.“We will make universal accessibility and universal design a priority” in both transit vehicles and stations, Molinaro said. Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act “is the floor, not the ceiling,” he added. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
CITIES CAN LEAD THE WAY ON RESILIENT COOLING, REPORT SAYS OPENING LINES • “This report essentially provides a menu of options and models that state and local leaders can use to get started on addressing this issue across all the systems that it touches on,” said Autumn Burton, FAS senior associate for climate, health and environment and a report author.“We already have the tools at our disposal, and this is an urgent issue that we could start to solve tomorrow.” DIVE INSIGHT: Since 1970, 97% of the 240 U.S. locations Climate Central surveyed say they have seen increases in the number of days when cooling is likely to be needed to maintain a safe indoor environment. Energy use associated with air conditioning is projected to increase more than any other end use in residential buildings through 2050, according to the U.S. Energy Source: www.smartcitiesdive.com, Dan Robyn Griggs Lawrence, First Published September 17th, 2025 Local officials have the tools to expand access to affordable cooling while boosting grid resilience and economic development, according to the Federation of American Scientists. DIVE BRIEF: • State and local policymakers can address extreme heat and rising energy costs by adopting a “resilient cooling strategy,” according to a new report from the Federation of American Scientists. • The strategy the report outlines works across three interdependent systems — buildings, communities and the electric grid — to help residents maintain safe indoor temperatures and prevent power outages. 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
affordability could call for policy solutions like tax and utility rebates, incentives and grant programs, as well as measures that incentivize the private sector to invest in alternative energy technologies, Burton said. “The idea here is that we will not only help to reduce extreme heat-driven illnesses and deaths, but also provide solutions that will help with economic development and workforce development while making sure a broader number of households, especially those who are heat-vulnerable, have access to alternative technologies and are able to afford their energy bills,” Burton said. Information Administration. “Extreme heat is the single most lethal weatherrelated hazard,” Burton said.“It kills more Americans every year than any other hazard.And for that reason, we need to make sure that cooling is recognized as a human right and, therefore, something that should be required in all households.” The FAS report outlines five guiding principles for local policymakers: expand cooling access and affordability; make public health needs a driver of building codes, energy standards and energy planning; adopt policies that reduce reliance on high-emissions energy sources; promote solutions for grid resilience; and build a skilled workforce for resilient cooling. For example, expanding cooling access and 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
OPENING LINES MORE FEDERAL FUNDING, PUBLIC OUTREACH AMONG US TRANSIT LEADERS’ PRIORITIES Source: www.smartcitiesdive.com, Dan Zukowski, First Published September 18th, 2025 The American Public Transportation Association is calling for nearly $30 billion more for public transit and $28 billion more for passenger rail in the next surface transportation authorization. Federal funding, public outreach and a strong relationship with the Federal Transit Administration are key priorities U.S. public transit leaders identified at the American Public Transportation Association’s annual meeting this week in Boston. “It’s so critical that our transit agencies have the ability to continue investing to modernize and to expand in their communities,” said APTA President and CEO Paul Skoutelas. Here’s what he and other leaders said about the group’s goals. Increased funding. If there is a federal government shutdown on Oct. 1, for the most part, public transit will keep running, Skoutelas said, as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has a provision to keep the FTA operating and able to disburse funds for previously-approved projects. Looking beyond this coming fiscal year’s federal budget, Skoutelas and others addressed the discussions underway to reauthorize surface transportation legislation. These multiyear laws fund highways and mass transit. The current law, authorized under the IIJA, expires Sept. 30, 2026. “Nothing is more critical to the continued investment policy direction, efficient operation and growth of our industry than securing a passage of a favorable new multiyear authorization,” said incoming APTA Chair Leanne Redden, executive director of Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority. APTA recommends that Congress commit nearly $138 billion to transit over five years, $30 billion more than the current five-year commitment, and close to $130 billion for passenger rail. “Let’s build a modern, well-funded, future-focused five-year service transportation law that gives us the tools, the policies and the resources to continue the good work that’s going on and to help us be successful on behalf of our communities,” Skoutelas said. The group plans “an intense and an aggressive yearlong campaign” for the bill’s passage, Redden said. Better outreach. In the first nine months of 2025, APTA “pivoted to address new policies and broaden our support for transit by telling a powerful story about economic growth and jobs,” Skoutelas said. “We need to tell our stories, and we’ve got to keep 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
A stronger relationship with the FTA.“Our partnership with the Federal Transit Administration has been, and will always be, [at] the forefront of what we do and how we do it,” Maynard-Carey said. She encouraged transit leaders to deepen their engagement with the FTA. “Let’s listen, share data, align outcomes and co-create strategies that work on the ground,” she said. “Let’s continue to speed up pilots and demonstrations that prove what’s possible.” telling our stories because if we don’t, others will, and maybe not as accurately as we’d like,” said last year’s APTA chair, MJ Maynard-Carey, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. “We work in a business model that does not generate a profit, but rather is subsidized by taxpayers,” she said. To build and maintain public support, Maynard-Carey called for “transparency, demonstrating measurable outcomes and meaningful community engagement.” 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
OPENING LINES PILOTS GAIN GREATER FLEXIBILITY, FASTER RECERTIFICATION IN NEW FAA MEDICAL GUIDANCE UPDATE Source: nbaa.org, News Editor, First Published September 09th, 2025 The FAA recently released significant updates to its medical guidance for aviation medical examiners (AME Guide) that considerably reduce required nofly limits for key medical conditions and surgeries, making it easier for pilots to maintain their medical certifications. One of the most notable changes is a reduction in the required observation period for cataract surgery. Previously, pilots had to wait up to two years before medical recertification was allowed, but under the new rules, this wait time has been reduced to just three months. Similar changes to medical recertification times have also been applied to other eye conditions and surgeries. Refractive surgeries like LASIK and SMILE, for instance, now have significantly shorter recovery periods, potentially as little as two weeks. Recertification after lens implants can also now occur in as little as two weeks after surgery, although recovery periods vary depending on the type of procedure. “NBAA welcomes the FAA’s new AME Guide updates. These changes reflect the growing confidence in modern surgical outcomes and the meaningful impact that new procedures and medications have on patient recovery,” said NBAA Director of Safety and Flight Operations, Mark Larsen, CAM.“We commend the FAA’s continued commitment to aviation safety while bringing a fresh perspective to the medical certification process that ensures pilots can return to flying as quickly and safely as possible.” The updates also include meaningful changes to the guidelines for certain medications. Pilots who take migraine medications, for instance, are now subject to as little as a 24-hour no-fly period depending on the prescription. Observation times for diabetes and weight loss medications are also simplified, with some medicine combinations now requiring only a 14-day observation period. The approved list of antidepressant medications has been expanded, too, to include vilazodone (Viibryd), and the four-hour no-fly restriction has been removed on certain cholesterol treatments. These updates are part of the FAA’s ongoing efforts to streamline the medical certification process and reduce certification review backlogs. On a recent 15 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
“These updates represent a positive step forward for the aviation community, providing pilots with more flexibility in maintaining their physical and mental health and reducing the barriers to maintaining their aviation medical certifications,” noted Larsen. “This could be a great opportunity for anyone who is considering treatment to make meaningful decisions that improve their health,” he added.“Read the FAA’s updates, use the newly updated industry resource that assists pilots in pre-flighting their medical exams, and talk with your AME to make an informed decision.” call with AMEs, FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrop noted that backlogs since Jan. 1 have been reduced 50% and the number of cases waiting to be considered is down 99%. She also encouraged pilots to preflight their medical exams, thoroughly preparing for a medical certification, similarly to how pilots would prepare for an aircraft check ride. This approach, she added, offers the best chance that your AME can either issue a certificate at the completion of the exam or allow the FAA to issue a special issuance medical on their first review. 16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
city view INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (ICMA) ONLINE ARTICLE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ONLINE ARTICLE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ONLINE ARTICLE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE ONLINE ARTICLE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS (TAB) ONLINE ARTICLE CENTRALIA, WA A CITY ROOTED IN LEGACY, GROWING TOWARD THE FUTURE CRANDALL, TX A SMALL COMMUNITY EXPERTLY NAVIGATING BIG CITY GROWTH DENISON, TX RAILROAD HERITAGE CITY REBUILDS PITTSBURG, KS PITTSBURG’S BOLD VISION FOR DOWNTOWN, INDUSTRY, AND HOUSING ATCHISON, KS BETTING BIG ON MEDICAL SCHOOL PLANS AND AVIATION HERITAGE GEARY COUNTY, KS BUILDING $2 BILLION SUCCESS STORY ON MILITARY PARTNERSHIP COVINGTON, WA ROOTED IN COMMUNITY RENO COUNTY, KS AMERICA’S 11TH MOST DIVERSE ECONOMY MAPLE VALLEY, WA ECOSYSTEM THRIVING ON COMMUNITY AND COMMERCE LITTLE ELM, TX LAKESIDE LIVING 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
MIDLAND, TX REIMAGINING A DIVERSIFIED FUTURE SCHOOLCRAFT TOWNSHIP, MI AN HISTORIC GEM HARDEEVILLE, SC HOW SC’S FASTEST-GROWING CITY ENGINEERED AN ECONOMIC MIRACLE NORTH DUNDAS, ON PROUD OF A STRONG AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE ESCANABA CITY, MI A RENAISSANCE OF GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY NEW ULM, MN PROGRESS INTERSECTS WITH GROWTH FREDERICK, OK PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT LORAIN, OH TRANSFORMING FROM RUST BELT RELIC TO HIGH-TECH HUB UPLAND, CA SUN, STUNNING VIEWS, AND A CITY THAT HAS IT ALL MARION, AR WHERE SMALL-TOWN CHARM MEETS BIG-CITY ACCESS EAST RIDGE, TN OUTCOMPETING GEORGIA NEIGHBORS WITH STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL POLICY EL MIRAGE, AZ AT THE GATEWAY OF GROWTH SOCORRO, TX A RURAL GEM POISED FOR PURPOSEFUL GROWTH UTAH COUNTY, UT FROM FARMING TO SUPPORTING RAPID POPULATION GROWTH 18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
BETTING BIG ON M PLANS AND AVIAT ATCHISON, KS AT A GLANCE CITY OF ATCHISON WHAT: H istoric Kansas city of over 10,000 residents betting on educational institutions, aviation heritage, and healthcare development for economic growth WHERE: Northeastern Kansas WEBSITE: www.cityofatchison.com A HISTORIC MISSOURI RIVER TOWN LEVERAGES AMELIA E GROWTH TO TRANSFORM FROM MANUFACTURING HUB TO 19 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
MEDICAL SCHOOL TION HERITAGE EARHART’S LEGACY AND BENEDICTINE COLLEGE’S O HEALTHCARE AND AVIATION CENTER. In the rolling hills of northeastern Kansas, where Lewis and Clark first celebrated Independence Day west of the Missouri River in 1804, sits a small city with outsized ambitions.Atchison, population 10,813 (2024 U.S. Census), occupies a unique position in American history as one of Kansas’s oldest settlements, founded in 1854 and named for Missouri Senator David Rice Atchison, who allegedly served as U.S. President for a single day in 1849, though this claim is disputed by most historians. The city’s location along the Missouri River, just 35 minutes from Kansas City International Airport, has shaped its identity as both a historic crossroads and a modern hub for education and economic development. “We are the smallest town in the United States where you can receive a private Catholic education from preschool all the way through 20 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
a master’s degree,” explains City Manager Mark Westhoff. This distinction stems from the arrival of Benedictine monks and sisters around the Civil War era, who established multiple educational institutions including what became Benedictine College. The college now serves as the city’s largest employer and ranks as one of its top tourism draws, hosting over 1,900 full-time students along with numerous retreats, parent weekends, and special events throughout the year. Mayor La Rochelle Young emphasizes the city’s remarkable historical legacy: “We had the very fortunate opportunity to have Dr. Wangari Maathai, who was also a Nobel Peace Prize winner, educated at Benedictine when it was Mount St. Scholastica College.” The city also boasts a connection to Abraham Lincoln, who visited in December 1859 to test portions of what would become his famous Cooper Union speech.Atchison claims Amelia Earhart as its most famous resident, with her birthplace serving as a cornerstone of local tourism alongside the recently opened Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum at the municipal airport. DOWNTOWN RESURGENCE: FROM WALKING MALL TO WALKABLE STREETS Atchison’s downtown transformation is a counterintuitive approach to urban revitalization that has yielded unexpected results. The city’s 2021 comprehensive plan centered on converting a pedestrian walking mall back into a functioning street.“By getting rid of the walking mall, we actually increased the foot traffic to those businesses because now they’re easier to reach by car and then walk to the various businesses,” Westhoff explains. The project added over 100 new parking spaces to Commercial Street while updating storefronts and facades along the corridor. The centerpiece of this downtown renewal was the renovation and upgrade of the historic Fox Theatre, which is now an entertainment anchor for the district. Mayor Young notes the community’s positive response: “Citizens really do enjoy the increased walkability of the mall. They enjoy the increased entertainment value with the theatre, and it has been a welcome change that really serves to revitalize our downtown.” The Commercial Street renovation was coupled with improvements on Main Street utilizing Kansas’s STAR Bond System which generate over $20 million in private investment within the designated district The city maintains momentum through ongoing facade grants for businesses along Main Street and Commercial Street corridors. Atchison’s downtown benefits from abundant available commercial space, a legacy of ambitious 1950s planning that projected higher population growth than materialized. “We have a large downtown area for the size of our city,” Westhoff observes, noting that this surplus creates 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 ATCHISON, KS
tax on new construction, property tax abatements for job-creating businesses, and maintains staff who work collaboratively on construction projects, planning, and zoning applications. “The city has always been committed to providing incentives to bring businesses in,” Westhoff states.“We have staff who are very easy to work with on construction projects, planning,zoning, all of those kinds of things.” The STAR Bond district success story highlights the city’s strategic use of state funding mechanisms. This special financing tool, which includes portions of downtown and the airport, leveraged state affordable opportunities for new businesses. The Locally Atchison Main Street Program now supports entrepreneurs through capital assistance and development microgrants up to $2,500 for planning and pre-construction expenses. INCENTIVES AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Atchison’s business-friendly approach combines practical incentives with streamlined municipal processes to attract new enterprises. The city has approved industrial revenue bonds to eliminate sales 22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
bonds with private investment to create substantial development. “The creation of that district led to over $20 million in private investment within the district to pair with the bond that we got from the state,” Westhoff explains. The program funded a new downtown hotel, fast food restaurant, and the popular farmer’s market pavilions, which operate multiple days weekly during summer months. Mayor Young highlights the entrepreneurial ecosystem taking shape: “Atchison boasts many legacy businesses that are the foundation of our economic structure. Additionally, our private investment structure provides incentive programs for new entrepreneurs spurring businesses such as coffee shops, clothing boutiques, and spas.” The Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, representing over 200 businesses and individuals, actively supports this growth through networking and community engagement initiatives. Economic development efforts focus on leveraging the city’s manufacturing heritage, where nearly 25% of residents work in manufacturing jobs, more than double the national average of 12%. HEALTHCARE AS AN ECONOMIC ENGINE The proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine is by and large Atchison’s most ambitious economic development project yet, with potential to fundamentally reshape the city’s future. “If they successfully open in 2028, which is what we understand is a targeted goal, this would be a massive economic development for our city,” Mayor Young explains. “It will spur housing and other initiatives.”The school would train 180 medical students annually, making Benedictine one of the few private colleges in America to operate a medical school focused on osteopathic medicine and Catholic bioethics. 23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 ATCHISON, KS
A LEGACY OF SERVICE, A FUTURE OF STRENGTH Founded in 1871 and headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, Blish-Mize Co. is one of the oldest and most respected wholesale hardware distribution companies in the United States. A proud, family-owned business now in its fifth generation of leadership, Blish-Mize serves more than 1,400 independent retailers across the Midwest and beyond—offering a broad inventory of over 40,000 items of hardware, tools, building supplies, and home improvement products. More than just a supplier, Blish-Mize is a trusted partner—known for its customer-first approach and deep commitment to long-term relationships. With a state-of-the-art 500,00 square foot distribution center, reliable logistics, a dedicated sales and merchandising team, and a full suite of retail support services, the company empowers its customers to remain competitive in an ever-evolving marketplace. Even as the industry continues to change, Blish-Mize holds fast to the core values that have sustained it for over 150 years: integrity, service, and reliability. Under the leadership of Chairman & CEO Jonathan Mize, the company remains focused on strategic growth, technological advancement, and succession—ensuring future success for both its retailers and employees. Blish-Mize Co.—trusted since 1871, and delivering more well into tomorrow. Visit us @ blishmize.com Or email us @ - sales@blishmize.com
The project has gained significant momentum with key leadership appointments. Dr. Marla DePolo Golden, former dean at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine locations in Georgia, will serve as founding dean. Joining her is Associate Dean Deacon Kevin Tulipana, who previously served as president of City of Hope Phoenix, a top-10 cancer center in the United States. The school requires approximately $120 million in total funding and follows a clear timeline: securing preliminary accreditation by 2027, welcoming the first class in 2028, and graduating physicians by 2032. “Benedictine happens to be our largest employer,” Mayor Young notes, emphasizing the college’s existing economic impact.The medical school would amplify this influence significantly.Westhoff observes the spillover effects already visible: “As Benedictine has been growing in the last decade, we’ve seen expansion in other industries around that growth, like healthcare. Our hospital,Amberwell Health, has grown a lot alongside Benedictine.”The osteopathic focus aligns with the college’s holistic educational philosophy, treating patients as complete persons rather than isolated medical cases. HOUSING SOLUTIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE Atchison’s housing strategy tackles decades of decline through innovative land banking and strategic development partnerships. The city created a land bank to address dilapidated properties systematically. “Since 2010, we’ve demolished over 200 of those and purchased and maintained other empty lots in town,” Westhoff explains. “Those are now available for sale at low cost for infill housing projects that have already started and are continuing to grow.” This approach transforms problem properties into development opportunities while maintaining neighborhood stability. New construction covers multiple economic segments, addressing diverse housing needs across the community. “We have more than 100 new 25 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 ATCHISON, KS
apartment units downtown across all economic levels,” Mayor Young reports. “That includes from low-income housing to more luxury-type housing, historic building revitalizations, maintaining that historic nature of downtown while also meeting our housing demands.” The Raven Hills planned development south of Benedictine College will add over 50 new single-family homes, strategically positioned to serve anticipated medical school growth. Infrastructure improvements support this housing expansion but present ongoing challenges. Parts of Atchison still operate on combined sewer systems that handle both sanitary waste and stormwater, requiring expensive separation projects. “We’ve been working with every entity we can—Kansas Development of Health and Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas Department of Commerce— putting together grant funding and congressionally directed spending funding for these large sewer 27 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 ATCHISON, KS
separation projects,” Westhoff details. The city has invested millions in these upgrades over 20 years, with substantial capacity remaining in water treatment and sewer plants to accommodate future growth. AIRPORT EXPANSION AND AVIATION OPPORTUNITIES The Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport anchors a $15 million infrastructure investment that positions Atchison for significant aviation-related development. The centerpiece involves expanding the main runway, with completion targeted for early next year. “The runway will be expanded to 4,000 feet in length,” Mayor Young confirms.“We’re looking at a parking apron and a taxi lane expansion in the next three years.” Federal funding covers 95% of construction costs, making this expansion financially viable for the small municipality. Airport improvements create immediate business opportunities.“We have a wait list for private hangar We create spaces that unite, inspire, and strengthen our communities for the future; one project at a time. GROWING TOGETHER BUILDING WHAT MATTERS 28 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
investment opportunities,” Mayor Young notes, indicating strong demand from aviation enthusiasts and businesses. The runway project involves replacing the problematic north-south runway with a new east-west configuration, freeing up valuable development land. “When the east-west runway is completed, we have the entire length of that old north-south runway that would be available for hangars, aviation-related businesses, really anything that the FAA deems acceptable,” Westhoff explains. The airport already heralds tourism potential through the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, another STAR Bond success story, which opened in 2023 and houses “Muriel,” the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E aircraft identical to Earhart’s final flight plane. The museum attracts visitors from across the country and internationally, generating economic activity that goes beyond aviation. “It really seems like everybody’s kind of waiting for that runway,” Westhoff observes.“With the wait list for the hangars 29 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 ATCHISON, KS
and the success of that Hangar Museum, they built a whole new FBO lounge and office area. It’s brand new and waiting for pilots, but the runway has to be completed first.” TOURISM AND COMMUNITY VISION Atchison’s tourism strategy capitalizes on its unique combination of aviation history and educational excellence.The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum has achieved remarkable success since opening, drawing 53,000 visitors from 30 countries and all 50 states in just two years. “Obviously, the Hangar Museum has been wildly successful in terms of tourism,” Westhoff notes. The museum showcases interactive STEM exhibits surrounding “Muriel,” creating an educational experience that appeals to multiple generations. Benedictine College surprisingly ranks as one of the city’s largest tourism drivers through campus 30 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
visits, parent weekends, and retreat programs. “By the numbers, anyone who’s not from here who comes here counts as a tourist,” Westhoff explains. “Benedictine has sibling weekends, parent weekends, homecoming, and over the summer they host lots of retreats and visit weekends.” The annual Amelia Earhart Festival in July is the community’s signature event, featuring what Westhoff describes as “the fourth-ranked private fireworks display in the country.” The city partners with the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce through tourism tax revenue to expand programming beyond traditional attractions. “We partner with the Chamber of Commerce to help us with our tourism program,”Westhoff states.“They’ve been targeting smaller events, like a Scrabble tournament that brings in people, and you don’t need as large a facility or a big baseball venue to run those.” Looking ahead, Mayor Young sees tourism as integral to broader economic growth: “We look forward to more population growth, which will obviously drive housing development. We also look forward to more economic growth as well, and we know that the 31 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 ATCHISON, KS
college will be a part of that.” Atchison’s strategic blend of historical preservation, educational excellence, and infrastructure investment positions the community to build on its aviation heritage while creating new opportunities for the next generation. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Blish-Mize Co. www.blishmize.com Blish-Mize Co. is a fifth-generation, familyowned wholesale hardware distributor based in Atchison, Kansas. Serving over 1,400 independent retailers across the Midwest and beyond, the company offers a broad range of products, reliable logistics, and personalized service—helping customers stay competitive through innovation, efficiency, and more than 150 years of trusted experience. n MGP Ingredients www.mgpingredients.com MGP Ingredients Inc. has been formulating excellence since 1941 by bringing product ideas to life through three segments: Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions, and Ingredient Solutions. MGPI is a leading spirits distiller with an awardwinning portfolio of brands, creates distilled spirits for customers including many worldrenowned spirits brands, and provides solutions for a wide range of food products with highquality specialty ingredients. n Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce www.visitatchison.com | www.atchisonkansas.net The Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce drives business growth, community development, and tourism. Supporting entrepreneurs and hosting signature events, it advocates for members while enhancing visitor experiences. With networking, marketing, and economic initiatives, the Chamber fosters a vibrant, welcoming Atchison for residents, businesses, and visitors. n Snyder & Associates www.snyder-associates.com Founded on the vision of becoming known and respected as a comprehensive engineering and planning firm, the Snyder & Associates team has surpassed those initial goals, and then some. Our firm’s unwavering commitment to our client’s success has allowed us to build decades-long relationships with communities and companies of all sizes. 32 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
GEARY COUNTY, KS BUILDING $2 BILLIO STORY ON MILITAR AT A GLANCE GEARY COUNTY, KANSAS WHAT: R ural county anchored by Fort Riley military installation, Milford Lake tourism, and strategic manufacturing growth WHERE: Northeast Kansas WEBSITE: www.gearycounty.org TRANSFORMING FROM STRUGGLING RURAL REGION TO STR FINANCIAL REFORM, INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT, AND 33 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
ON SUCCESS RY PARTNERSHIP RATEGIC ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE THROUGH SMART PARTNERSHIPS WITH FORT RILEY. In the heart of Kansas, where interstate highways converge and military might meet Midwest pragmatism, Geary County has quietly transformed itself into one of the state’s most strategically positioned communities. Home to Fort Riley, the legendary “Big Red One” First Infantry Division, and anchored by Milford Lake, Kansas’s largest man-made reservoir, this region of 34,000 residents punches well above its weight in economic impact and infrastructure sophistication. Fort Riley generates more than $2 billion in direct economic impact annually, serving over 62,000 soldiers, family members, civilian employees, retirees, and veterans. Milford Lake’s 15,700 acres of water and 163 miles of shoreline have earned it recognition as the “Fishing Capitol of Kansas,” drawing tourists from across the Midwest. 34 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
“We’re located in northeast Kansas and are home to the largest manmade lake, Milford Lake,” explains District 1 Commissioner Trish Giordano.“We’re right next door to Fort Riley. We have railroad access, highway access, and air access with a regional airport.” The county’s transportation infrastructure includes Manhattan Regional Airport, which provides commercial airline service, positioning the area within easy reach of major markets across a 600mile radius. Two years ago, Stormont Vail Health System, affiliated with the Mayo Clinic, assumed operations of the county’s struggling hospital. “Them taking over the hospital has been a huge asset for our community to ensure that we have quality healthcare here,” Giordano notes. FINANCIAL TRANSFORMATION AND GOVERNANCE REFORM Geary County’s most dramatic changes have occurred behind the scenes, where a complete overhaul of financial management has stabilized operations and eliminated waste.“The hospital and finance director were mainly the reasons why I ran for public office,” Commissioner Giordano recalls.“I felt like there was a huge need to try to restructure things.” The county hired Finance Director Tami Robison, whose first challenge was saving the hospital without raising taxes. “Within two weeks I started scouring the financials, the budget, the audits, trying to figure out where we might have some adjustments,” Robison explains. The county had been levying taxes across twenty separate funds unnecessarily. Robison restructured the entire budget, consolidating operations to levy only for the general fund and debt service fund.“We were able to realize there were a lot of reserves sitting there,” she notes. “Because of that, we could use those reserves and our sales tax that was being used to pay the bond and stop levying for that, which allowed us to put this other bond in place and not increase any taxes for the taxpayers.” The county lacked basic financial controls, operating with an outdated procurement code and no purchase card program. Robison implemented comprehensive financial policies, established reserve requirements, and modernized the computer software system. Employee compensation received similar attention through a complete wage study and implementation of one hundred percent compression for most departments. The sheriff’s office benefited from a transition to the KP&F retirement system, providing more robust benefits for emergency service personnel. “We adopted a new pay plan with a grade and step in place,” Robison explains.“This allows us to retain, recruit better and more competitively.” 35 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 GEARY COUNTY, KS
“We’ve had some significant projects as far as bridge replacements, Conroe bridge replacement, West Lions Lyons Creek box replacement, old Milford Road box replacement,” he explains. “We’re getting rid of those dated poor condition bridges and box culverts to improve the roadway network.” In Laurel Canyon, the county operates water district number two and sewer district number four. The region previously relied on an aging treatment plant. The county recently converted operations to a more efficient lagoon system.“We are working with rural INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT Beyond financial reorganization, Geary County has methodically upgraded its physical infrastructure through targeted investments. Public Works Administrator Jeremie Myers oversees annual investments of $400,000 to gravel road networks and $500,000 to asphalt road improvements. The county actively pursues state and federal funding for bridge replacements, recently completing major projects including the Conroe bridge replacement and West Lions Creek box replacement. 36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
development currently on revitalizing the water and sewer to add some additions to some lots that haven’t been developed in that area,” Myers notes. One infrastructure investment carries particular historical significance. Rathert Field, where baseball legend Jackie Robinson played during his service at Fort Riley, received comprehensive renovations through a partnership between the county and Junction City. “It’s made of native Kansas limestone where the stadium seats are and just really cool,” Giordano observes. “They’ve added a beer garden area and on opening night they had almost 300 people there, so it’s pretty popular.” The facility now hosts college-level baseball during summer months, combining historical preservation with active recreational use. HOUSING SOLUTIONS AND DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Junction City’s transformation from struggling municipality to recognized development success illustrates how strategic planning can reverse decades of decline.Three years ago, the city joined the Kansas Main Street program. “They’ve recently added 13 new businesses and over 90 jobs, and secured over $1 million in grants,” Giordano reports. “Downtown, they’ve had $8.5 million in investments, including a new brewery that we’ve also been involved in to give them the neighborhood revitalization program for tax abatements.” Housing development received a major boost through an innovative land bank program addressing past planning mistakes. Approximately Twenty years ago, the Defense Department announced plans to bring the historic 1st Infantry Division home, back to Ft. Riley, KS. In the euphoric excitement of the return of the “Big Red One”, Junction City was built by adding multiple housing developments simultaneously. The housing demand that Junction City prepared for did not come to fruition and Junction City was stuck holding the bag. The city now offers these prepared lots for $5,000 each, with a $4,000 rebate for builders who complete 37 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 GEARY COUNTY, KS
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