The Riley County Commission meeting held on May 22, 2025, focused on strategies to attract new residents to rural areas, particularly in Northwest Kansas. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote rural communities as viable living options for families seeking affordable housing and a slower pace of life, while still having access to essential amenities.

A key point raised during the meeting was the successful relocation of over 40 households to rural areas, with a notable trend of movers preferring communities with stagnant or declining populations rather than metropolitan areas. This shift is seen as an opportunity for rural communities to revitalize and grow economically, despite the challenges they face in traditional economic development.

The commission discussed a collaborative approach with local chambers of commerce and neighboring counties, such as Pottawatomie County, to leverage state funding for this initiative. The proposed plan involves an application process to secure state funds, which would be distributed in two phases. The first tranche would provide upfront funding to kickstart the program, while the second would be contingent on the successful relocation of families.

Commissioners emphasized the immediate economic benefits of attracting new residents, noting that each child entering the public school system represents a significant financial return on investment for the community. The discussions also touched on the importance of improving housing options in rural areas to accommodate incoming families.

In addition to housing, the commission explored potential incentives to make the area more appealing to newcomers, such as offering local entertainment options or community events. The Rural Economic Development Advisory Committee was mentioned as a potential partner in these efforts, with plans to discuss further strategies in their upcoming meetings.

Overall, the meeting underscored a proactive approach to rural development, focusing on community engagement and resource allocation to foster growth and sustainability in Riley County. The commission plans to continue these discussions and refine their strategies in the coming months.