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Commissioners say they will reassess county participation in Neighborhood Revitalization Program
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Summary
Commissioners discussed withdrawing from the current Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP), citing county contribution levels and the desire to narrow target areas; they said a 90-day notice was filed Sept. 2 and pledged to study options including local incentives.
Atchison County commissioners used part of their Oct. 21 meeting to explain a recent decision to begin a review of the county’s participation in the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP). A commissioner told the board the county voted Sept. 2 to issue a 90-day notice to withdraw from the current program while it re-evaluates the county’s financial contribution.
Why it matters: Commissioners said they support NRP’s original intent—targeted revitalization through new construction, rehabilitation and redevelopment—but that the county must ensure its contribution is fiscally sustainable and focused on areas that meet the program’s goals.
What was said: One commissioner described recent development tours in Atchison city near Seventh and Unity, south of Benedictine College, and on Arbor Lane and Harper Drive, and praised recent new construction. The commissioner said the county remains “100% in favor of the program” but wants to “take a better look at what makes sense for our contribution going forward.” He suggested structuring incentives to favor contractors and suppliers who source locally: “I'd like to see the county come in… with a percentage and then a higher percentage rebate if you shop local and use all… local contractors,” the commissioner said.
Board context and next steps: Commissioners asked for a careful review of program mechanics and the county’s “footprint” in the NRP, saying they would not disrupt existing contracts for participants who already signed and were in year two of the program. Commissioners said staff will continue reviewing other counties’ programs and local data to determine where a county rebate or participation makes the most sense.
Outcome: No formal change to current participant agreements was made at the Oct. 21 meeting; commissioners described the action taken in September to issue the 90-day notice and said the review will inform future county contributions.
