McPHERSON, Kan. — While economic confidence is low in McPherson County, there is a lot of interest in business development. That is one of the findings from the 2025 Mastermind McPherson County survey, county-wide results of which were shared during a summit at the McPherson Community Building on Thursday, Sept. 18. A total of 743 people took part in the survey conducted earlier this year.
Betsy Davis from the McPherson County Community Foundation, who conducted the study, said economic concerns revolve around the core indicators of job outlook, income and business vitality. It was indicated during the summit the state of the farm economy at the time the survey was conducted may have factored into some of this.
Davis said in regard to business development, interest in revitalizing downtown areas, especially in the smaller communities. Specific business needs addressed include more grocery stories, hardware stores, sit down restaurant options beyond fast food, and more options for clothing stories
The survey also indicated significant concerns about childcare for all income levels and work scheduled, affordable housing, and medical and dental services, in particular mental health and specialty care. Another need cited in the survey was a need for centralized places for gatherings and programs. Public transportation was also raised as a concern in some communities.
This year’s survey and those conducted in 2023 and 2024 showed some common themes. “People in McPherson County really care about community vitality, economic development, and healthy citizenry. That is something that we as a foundation are very excited to get behind and see what we can do as a county,” Davis explained.
While residents feel a deep emotional tie to the community, they don’t always feel responsible for solving shared problems nor do they believe there is a clear road map for the future. A received lack of long-range planning is also a factor. Engagement metrics also indicate a community that values collaboration but lacks faith in fair representation and inclusive leadership. During the summit participants were divided into four groups, focused on the area of parks, downtown areas, “third spaces” or community gathering places, and ”neighboring.”
Survey priorities indicated the top three program priorities should focus on improving public infrastructure, attraction of new business, and removal or renovation of blight, identified by more than 40 percent of survey participants. Housing and childcare were identified by more than 30 percent of participants.
