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Economic development staff report farm-tour planning, E-Community loan conversion and outreach for World Cup 2026
Summary
Economic development staff updated the commission on a converted E‑Community loan for a Paola business, travel-writer and World Cup outreach, and upcoming meetings to discuss senior and general public transportation options.
Economic development staff reported several ongoing projects and outreach efforts: an E‑Community loan had partially converted to a grant, staff are finalizing a travel‑writer visit, events to advise local businesses about FIFA World Cup 2026 impacts are scheduled, and staff are organizing a meeting of transportation providers to review senior and general public transit needs.
The presenter introduced Paola High School student intern Justice Breit, who is assisting with social media and farm‑tour work. Staff reported that an E‑Community loan to a Paola business "did convert to about $6,500 of it converted to a grant with the remaining $36,000 in a loan," and that staff were coordinating with local school districts, business owners and volunteers on upcoming outreach events.
Staff said they are arranging a travel writer visit in May and have scheduled two busines‑ and government‑focused World Cup 2026 briefings (one described as a county/city meeting and one for businesses) and will ask attendees to RSVP. They also described a planned April meeting at the extension office to bring transportation providers and potential funders together to identify gaps and options for senior and general public transport.
On senior transportation, staff said Paola may shift funding to medical‑only transportation in 2026 and that change could leave a gap in general public transportation and senior rides. Staff described other providers that may help fill some needs, including VA clinic transportation options and services from Elizabeth Layton Center and local churches, and urged convening providers to assess demand, funding and options.
Why it matters: The E‑Community loan conversion reduces the recipient's repayment burden; travel‑writer publicity and World Cup coordination are intended to promote local businesses; and the transportation convening seeks to anticipate service gaps that could affect seniors and residents without other transportation options.
What's next: Staff asked commissioners to RSVP for a May 6 World Cup briefing and said they will host transportation and business meetings in April and May; staff also asked for commissioner representation at some events and will report back on outcomes.
