Ready for Kansas Main Street?

As you may know, the popular Kansas Main Street program has returned and is revving up for 2020. I want to provide an update on what’s coming up for the program as it gets up and running again in Kansas.

First, Commerce recently announced the hiring of Scott Sewell as the Main Street Program Director.

Scott has a proven track record with the Main Street model. He spent many years working on the Kansas program before leading the Nebraska Main Street Program. “I was excited to know Governor Kelly and the Legislature were bringing back the Kansas Main Street program,” Sewell said, “and I was especially excited to have the opportunity to come back and help guide a program I have always cared deeply about.”

The Main Street approach has proven to be one of the most cost-effective economic revitalization tools available for communities and urban centers. Throughout the country, communities have utilized those tools to rally residents around a focused enhancement strategy that transforms their community and enhances their quality of life.

From 1985 to 2012, more than $600 million in redevelopment took place in participating Kansas communities, including the opening and expansion of 3,800 small businesses, which created over 8,600 new jobs. With the return of the state program, communities will once again have the resources and tools they need to breathe new life into their historic commercial districts.

Kansas Main Street will be hosting a Roundtable Discussion later this month. I’m looking forward to being in Emporia on Wed., Dec. 18^th at 10 a.m. to help kick off the meeting. The meeting is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. You can learn more on the Main Street website. If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP to Scott Sewell at [email protected] or by phone at 785.296.7288.

This will be a great opportunity for local main street representatives and interested folks from across the state to gather, meet our new Main Street Director Sewell and provide input on their hopes and dreams for the Kansas Main Street program in 2020 and beyond. We hope to see you there!

Be sure to stay up-to-date with Kansas Main Street by liking the newly-launched Facebook page. We’re excited to share more as this great program returns to Kansas communities.

Ad Astra Per Aspera,

-DT