Eco-devo consultant urges funding, sites for Wichita

Wichita Business Journal - by Chris Moon

Economic development leaders in the Wichita area should target the aerospace, medical, alternative energy and business and professional service industries for business expansion, a site selection consultant hired by the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition said in a report released this week.

Site Selection Group LLC also says local government needs to create a definitive funding stream for economic development activities, and eco-devo leaders here need to develop large, shovel-ready sites for business expansion.

“The lack of shovel-ready sites that can be used as inducements to attract new business investment is a substantial impediment to Wichita’s economic development efforts,” Site Selection Group said in its report, which has been distributed to GWEDC stakeholders.

The consultant said sites should be 100 acres or larger with the ability to be divided into no smaller than 20-acre parcels. The sites also should have utilities close at hand. Sites should be developed both with and without rail access.

“Wichita’s competitors have shovel-ready sites available to donate when necessary,” Site Selection Group says.

The Dallas-based consultant also urged economic development leaders to create a dedicated funding stream for economic development, similar to sales taxes levied in states like Oklahoma and Texas for that purpose. SSG noted Topeka, Manhattan, Hutchinson, Salina and Pittsburg already have economic development sales taxes.

“To ensure long-term success, economic development funding must be certain and flexible,” SSG’s report said.

Site Selection Group developed its recommendations after reviewing cities that have improved their economic development climates in recent years — Huntsville, Ala.; Boise, Idaho; Greensboro, N.C.; Omaha, Neb.; Tulsa, Okla.; and Clarksville, Tenn.

SSG says Wichita should target industries that take advantage of the fact the city has a workforce that is “technically superior,” especially in engineering, design and manufacturing.

The group says the medical industry’s growth and stability makes it a “critical target” for diversification here. Meanwhile, Kansas has been named the No. 2 state in the nation for wind supply, making alternative energy one that economic development leaders should target.