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Commissioners describe shift to funding partnerships with cities for economic development
Summary
Commissioners said Miami County has moved away from maintaining an economic development director toward building a funding mechanism and partnering with cities and regional development organizations to attract commercial investment and support infrastructure projects.
At the June 4 meeting commissioners outlined a deliberate change in the county's economic-development approach: instead of funding an in-house economic development director, the county has built a funding mechanism to respond to city-led opportunities and to support infrastructure projects that spur commercial growth.
One commissioner said the county "changed directions to become more of a funding source" and has used the fund to support projects such as nearly 5 miles of sewer near Spring Hill that will encourage development. Staff noted the county maintains memberships in regional entities such as the Kansas City Area Development Corporation and has invested in certified sites that help site consultants evaluate available infrastructure.
A public commenter, Carol Ost, asked how residents and volunteers can help and whether each city’s needs are being tracked. Commissioners replied they meet regularly with city officials across Miami County and encouraged volunteers to engage locally; staff said cities must define their preferred development types and that the county's role is to partner on financing and infrastructure where appropriate.
