Hillsboro council approves priorities through 2031
Staff writer
Hillsboro residents have laid out their hopes and dreams for their town for a second time, and city council members gave the resulting strategic plan their seal of approval Tuesday.
The last strategic plan for the city, which began being written in 2019, was completed 19 months later and set priorities through the end of this year.
Priorities through 2031 have now been set. From top priority to lower priorities, they are:
Housing development
Increase availability, quality, and affordability of housing by enforcing regulations to reduce blight; incentivizing home turnover and building; increasing access to rental properties; and supporting targeted development projects.
The task would involve enforcing code regulations to reduce blight and improve safety. Properties in town would be surveyed to identify blighted properties and divided into manageable sections.
The top 20 blighted properties would be reviewed each year, and 80% or more would be required to have corrective action within six months.
A catalog of empty or vacant properties would be created to assess housing availability and support redevelopment efforts.
Turnover of unoccupied homes would be accomplished by creating financial or policy incentives to encourage owners of vacant properties to sell or rent their properties. At least one new incentive program is to be developed by December of this year.
Work with local real estate agents, banks, and property owners to develop and market the program.
Evaluate opportunities to use the former Salem Hospital as housing. The city would collaborate with urban planners, architects, and local stakeholders under a planning grant co-sponsored by Flint Hills Regional Council.
Support new building projects for all income levels by continuing support of existing projects and development of new projects so the community can continue to pursue progress and growth.
A key priority from the last strategic plan, this goal already includes Orchard Ridge duplexes being built south of Dollar General by Mennonite Housing.
Energize economic opportunities
Improve public spaces downtown to create a more attractive and inviting area for residents and visitors by enhancing streetscapes and public gathering areas. Seating, repairs to brick walkways, and installation of planters would be part of the process. Financial support would be secured through grants, partnerships with downtown businesses, and budget allocations.
A downtown community plaza would be completed by installing an amphitheater to boost entertainment opportunities and strengthen community engagement.
Food, shopping, and entertainment options would be increased by creating a tailored business incentive program to expand existing restaurants and entertainment venues and help develop a sit-down restaurant with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options
Other goals include developing incentive proposals and helping facilitate two new business starts, fostering entrepreneurship and small business success, and provide resources to at least five community entrepreneurs.
Hillsboro will be promoted as an ideal location for remote workers, with fast and reliable Internet, affordable living, and community connection.
Deepen educational connections
Strengthen partnerships with local educational institutions to expand opportunity for learning, working, and thriving.
Hold regular educational engagement events with a goal of more than 50 student participants.
Plan for and develop the Tabor corridor to foster student engagement, attract visitors, and build on Hillsboro’s identity as a college town. Form a work group that includes college representatives, city planners, and local business leaders.
Engage students in local internships, jobs, and volunteer opportunities to support workforce development, talent retention, and economic vitality.
Use existing school and state resources to partner with local employers and organizations to identify opportunities.
Launch a “Come Home to Hillsboro” campaign to strengthen the city’s talent pipeline, support economic development, and reinforce community pride by encouraging young people to return, work, and invest in Hillsboro.
Expand trade education to address workforce shortages and provide career-ready pathways for students. This would include expanding the city’s relationship with Hutchinson Community College and creating an additional trade education opportunity to serve at least 15 students.
Sustainable progress and forward momentum
Complete key infrastructure projects such as a new fire station and support vital community services such as child and senior care, improved energy reliability, and development of transportation options. Enhance senor living amenities.
Address power generation vulnerabilities by implementing backup or alternative energy solutions that work with Kansas Power Pool energy capacity.
City financial goals should be pursued to maintain and strengthen the city’s financial position, maintain balanced budgets, review annual audits, and provide financial progress reports monthly, quarterly, and annually.
Develop and implement a comprehensive media and communication strategy to inform residents and attract newcomers. Launch a city communication campaign such as email newsletters, social media, or community videos. Assign a communications lead and committee to use existing platforms and track engagement metrics.