Using the matrix defined by Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting, the Reno County Growth Coalition concentrates on seven areas to measure the strengths and opportunities for our community: Vitality, After Hours, Learning, Earning, Social Capital, Cost of Lifestyle, and Around Town.

Click on the links below to learn more about the Growth Coalition’s work in five of the seven areas.

Vitality is a reflection of a community’s wellness quotient – are there green spaces, farmers markets, hike and bike trails, and recreation facilities? Is the community active and fit?

After Hours represents the arts, cultural, and entertainment happenings after five p.m. Are there authentic places to dine, listen to local music, and just hang out?

Social Capital measures the connectedness of a community. Are residents active and engaged in the county?

Learning is indicative of a community’s offerings for personal growth – are there opportunities to learn new things like how to knit, speak a foreign language, or start a garden?

Earning defines the job market – is there a broad offering of places to work and an environment friendly to entrepreneurs?

Cost of Lifestyle depicts the affordability of a city – can people live, work, and play in     Reno County?  One of the advantages of life in Reno County is its affordability.

Around Town highlights the ease of commuting. Do people have long or short commute times? How easy is it to get from place to place? Those living in Reno County know that mornings spent in traffic are not part of daily life. It’s easy to get around and trips to Wichita, the nearest metropolitan area, are only a 45 minute drive. We also have a public transit system, Rcat, that provides transportation to all Reno County communities.