IMPLEMENTATION AND BENCHMARKING

Implementation and Benchmarking identifies the means to implement the Blueprint for Growth. Implementation is not the culmination of the planning process; rather it is part of the continual planning cycle of input, analysis, plan development, implementation actions, evaluation and updating. Implementation is both incremental and cumulative. Successful implementation requires participation from both public and private entities.

5.1 Implementation Matrix
Implementation of the Blueprint for Growth is dependent upon the commitment of many individuals and organizations in Reno County. Implementing the strategies and actions of this plan will require long-term commitment and ownership with a sense of priority. The implementation matrix is intended to guide the implementation of the many strategies and actions that are necessary to achieve the desired vision for Reno County.

This matrix helps to guide future actions so that priorities can be set, interim successes can be celebrated and the improvement can occur through the effective use of available knowledge, skill and resources throughout Reno County.

The implementation matrix identifies the timeframe, project type, core participants and potential funding for accomplishing each action in the Blueprint for Growth.

 

5.2 Benchmarking
Benchmarking is a method of monitoring the implementation of the Blueprint for Growth. The achievement of the growth goal of 80,000 people by 2020 is dependent on taking implementation actions that intervene or change current trends. As the community has success in implementation of the strategies and actions in the implementation matrix, the current trend line should change. At first the change may be small, but as momentum is gained the trend should become more positive.
 
The Benchmarking section of this document is intended to provide general growth guidance regarding the change in the population trend line that may be expected as the Blueprint for Growth is implemented. The actual rate of growth is dependent on many factors, and population numbers should not be the sole determinant of successful implementation of the blueprint.
 
The Reno County future population projection is based on the countywide growth goal that Reno County will grow to a total population of 80,000, by the year 2020. Currently, Reno County’s total population is increasing at an annual rate of just under 0.4%. At that rate, Reno County’s total population would be around 69,000 in 2020. This means that there is an 11,000-person disparity between the existing trend and the growth goal.
 
An anticipated growth trend has been developed using the implementation matrix as a guide for the timing of various actions. It is through the successful strategic implementation of the plan recommendations and strategies that the county will experience increased population and employment growth, greater than the current rate.
 
The following chart and narrative reflects the anticipated effects of implementation efforts over time. The 2020 Vision population projection is divided into three increments recognizing the cumulative impacts of long-term progress in implementation. The increments are present to 2008, 2008 to 2014, and 2014 to 2020. With each passing increment, the growth percentage increases. The population growth rate, from present to 2008, is projected to be 4.3%. The population growth rate from 2008 to 2014 is projected to be 7.0%; and the population growth rate from 2014 to 2020 is projected to be 9.0%.

This exponential growth rate, as opposed to a linear growth rate, better reflects 2020 Vision and Reno County’s future if diligent implementation efforts are pursued during this time. The incremental increase of the 2020 Vision projection reflects the incremental steps by which the Blueprint for Growth will be implemented. With each passing increment, the county’s success will build and build; and with continued success can come increased growth at a managed rate and pattern.

A range of acceptable growth has been provided, at + or – 15% in order to recognize the importance of not tying success to exact numbers at exact points in time.

The Reno County Growth Coordinator, assisted by the Reno County Planner, should undertake benchmarking. This should occur on an annual basis, utilizing information provided in the Governor’s Economic and Demographic Report and the Annual Kansas Population by County Report, annual reports prepared by the Kansas Department of Administration, Division of Budget (www.da.state.ks.us/budget/ecodemo.htm). The new population estimates should be plotted on the graph as a way of monitoring annual progress and tracking progress toward meeting the Blueprint for Growth’s target population goal.


References / Resources
1998 Reno County Comprehensive Plan.  Adopted November 18, 1998 – Resolution Number 98-64. Board of Reno County Commissioners and the Reno County Planning Board.

Economic Trends Update: Reno County. June 2001. University of Kansas – Kansas Center for Community Economic Development, Policy Research Institute. Luke Middleton and Charles E. Krider.

Final Results Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce
Focus Group Research Regarding Economic Development. October 2001. The Research Partnership, Inc.

Reno County 2020 Vision Cluster Reports – Agribusiness, Corridor Development, Health Care, and Tourism. 2002. Reno County 2020 Vision Task Force Cluster Committees and University of Kansas – Kansas Center for Community Economic Development, Policy Research Institute. Genna M. Hurd.

Spirit of Success- Job Creation for Prosperity (Campaign Development Booklet). 2002 – 2003. Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce.

Vision 2020 Data Analysis Report. February 16, 2004. Insights Marketing, Pamela Barnes.

Blueprint for Growth – Phases 1 & 2 Summary Memorandum. April 2004. Gould Evans Goodman Associates.

 

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