Reno County is seeing new energy in business and workforce development.

• StartUp Hutch is sharing success stories and opening the door to more entrepreneurs
• Workforce programs like Career Quest and Career Launch are helping students build skills and open their minds about different careers
• Pretty Prairie is creating a new business district to unlock potential for development
• Local leadership and governments are aligning efforts to grow opportunity for all, and the County is doing a feasibility on a county-wide sales tax that might fund economic development

The collaborative Reno County Economic Development Strategic Plan will be done in October.

Communities are taking steps to address blighted structures and adequately fund infrastructure.

• Hutchinson demolished the Atrium and St. Elizabeth’s hospital, and multiple commercial properties are being brought to City Council to consider condemnation of unsafe and dangerous structures. Pretty Prairie is also in the process of condemning Main Street buildings to address blight.
• Downtown Hutch is working on a demonstration project in the 300 block of North Main to improve storefronts and experiment with branded signage that speaks to the possibilities, in addition to the renovation of the Meyer Landmark building
• Cities like Buhler have purchased more water rights to make development possible
• Hutchinson is considering a sales tax referendum that would fund street maintenance, stormwater infrastructure, and park improvements

The shortage of child care has been a long-standing barrier for working families. That’s beginning to change.

• New centers and providers are opening across the county, creating more than 300 new slots
• More than $1 million in retention grants and infant incentive funding was disbursed to 44 local providers in 2024
• The Kids Collective Child Care Network, a new 501c3, launched in September to provide a sustainable solution for child care administration with three initial sites: Crusader Corner, Buhler Beginnings, and Abundant Life Child Care & Preschool

Read the 2024-25 Report of the Reno County Child Care Task Force.

Accessible, quality housing is essential for healthy communities.

• New single family housing developments are in the works in Haven and Hutchinson, and towns like Buhler and Pretty Prairie are in active conversations about expanding housing options
• The City of Hutchinson is promoting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and pre-approved housing plans for Land Bank lots, helping to address neighborhood blight
• Partnerships across sectors are gaining momentum, including Interfaith Housing & Community Services, New Beginnings, SCKEDD, Hutchinson Public Schools, Hutchinson Community College, and the 2025 Transformational Leadership Cohort focused on housing for vulnerable populations

Read about Hutch CF’s 3-Year Housing Initiative to further catalyze development.

We’re seeing a rise in people getting involved—because they care deeply about the places they live.

• Cities are creating different ways for residents to share their perspectives, such as the Hutchinson town halls and Love Where You Live – Haven
• South Hutchinson and Hutchinson have rebranded to strengthen their identities and place narratives, and Nickerson has had K-State provide a First Impressions Assessment
• Arlington, Sylvia, Turon, and Haven all received Fund for Reno County Impact Cycle 1 grants for projects that increase community engagement and improve civic infrastructure
• Residents are coming together to advocate for investment and change through bond campaigns, parks, and community centers, and of course we saw the community of Plevna rally around tornado recovery