By the Associated Press and KFDI News:
Democratic Governor Laura Kelly has unveiled an economic development plan that aims to provide a blueprint for the state’s future as it looks to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dubbed the Kansas Framework for Growth, the plan was lauded as the first of its kind in more than 30 years. It was showcased Thursday in a virtual announcement joined by two of the state’s former governors, Democrat John Carlin and Republican Mike Hayden.
Work on drafting the plan began in late 2019, but the new challenges brought on by the pandemic created an urgent need to rethink an approach with the flexibility to respond to ever-changing economic conditions.
Some key initiatives in the program include:
- Talent development and retention
- Harnessing the state’s colleges and universities for job and business creation
- Innovation as a driver of new business opportunity
- Community assets and regional approaches to economic development
- Policies to support long-term growth.
Andrew Nave, executive vice president of the Greater Wichita Partnership, said “By emphasizing innovation across our core industries as a driver of economic development, the Framework demonstrates forward-thinking vision for Kansas. Our region fully supports the Framework and its guiding principles as the right course for Kansas.”
Former Governor Hayden said, “It’s time for us to build another common approach and lay out our goals to grow the state. This plan does not belong to one administration; it is the Kansas plan for growth. As former Governors, John and I are proud to join with the current Governor in making the case for this shared vision for our state’s future.”
