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Natalie outlines localized housing assessments, seeks support for 2027 economic development outreach
Summary
At a Herington City Commission meeting, Natalie presented plans to increase local outreach for economic development, offered to perform community-level housing assessments at no cost, and described recently secured e-community designation and loan-review board participation.
At a meeting of the Herington City Commission, Natalie, a presenter for county economic development, told commissioners she is stepping up outreach ahead of a 2027 budget request and offered to perform community-level housing assessments free of charge as a partner.
"It takes a full year cycle to get to know communities... I'm willing to do it with no cost as a partner," Natalie said, describing the work required to gather surveys, do windshield assessments and document local housing conditions.
Natalie said she had contacted businesses countywide and had helped two existing businesses and one prospective business since taking the role. She said a prior countywide housing assessment vendor quoted $15,000 to update a countywide study, and that she plans to work with individual communities to create smaller, community-specific assessments instead.
The presenter noted recent outreach efforts — including a widely shared blog post and social media exposure — and said Herington has gained visibility in countywide economic-development programs. She said the city secured an e-community designation after prior unsuccessful attempts and that a local representative sits on related boards that can open technical-assistance and low-interest financing options.
Commissioners asked about timing and eligibility for funding. Natalie said a community-level assessment typically takes about six to eight months, including an open survey period and data collection, and reiterated that many grant opportunities have tightened compared with earlier pandemic-era funding. She said she can support cities by preparing cost-benefit analyses and grant applications with partners such as Network Kansas and university partners used for economic analysis.
The presentation concluded with questions about whether requested municipal contributions could be adjusted; Natalie reiterated her intent to continue outreach and to pursue grant and incentive options on behalf of businesses and the community.
The commission moved on to other agenda items after the Q&A; no formal vote was required on Natalie's presentation.
