Caterpillar Transition Update January 2025
The Wamego Caterpillar facility is officially on the market, with the listing going live in mid-November through Colliers, the commercial real estate agency hired by Caterpillar.
Category: Community News
Crane-Served Production Plant Now Available
Amazing location along Highway 24 in the Wamego Industrial Park. Includes 258,112 square feet on 44 acres in Wamego, Kansas. Located just 15 miles from Manhattan, KS, 45 miles from Topeka, and 1.5 hours to Kansas City, it’s immediately accessible to 1-70 and I-35.
Housing Incentive Options for Cities and Counties
Cities and counties across the nation are increasingly interested in offering incentive programs for housing projects to address pressing challenges related to affordability, workforce retention, and economic growth. Cities and counties across the nation are increasingly interested in offering incentive programs for housing projects to address pressing challenges related to affordability, workforce retention, and economic growth.
What is “Affordable Housing” in Pottawatomie County? A Math Problem
The term “moderate income housing” refers to housing options that are affordable to households earning a moderate income, generally defined as those earning between 80% and 120% of the area median income (AMI). This range varies by location, as it’s based on the local cost of living and income levels.
Further, “workforce housing” refers to housing options that are affordable to households earning between 60% and 120% AMI.
Current Housing Needs in Pottawatomie County
Housing numbers haven’t grown enough over the last five years to keep up with previously projected growth populations. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Pottawatomie County had 10,400 units in 2023. According to Plan Pottawatomie County 2040 (the County’s strategic plan), we will require 14,162 housing units to accommodate the median population projection of 34,971 people. As it stands, to catch up, we need 235 new units per year now through 2040 to meet the needs for that population projection.
Pottawatomie County Economic Update Quarter 3 2024
Economic indicators for Pottawatomie county, including labor, housing, and sales tax data, generally followed trends from the previous quarter and quarter three of last year. Sales and use tax revenues saw a strong spike in July, reaching over $500,000, and helping to bump year-to-date sales and use tax totals slightly above totals for the same time in 2023. Meanwhile, Pottawatomie County’s unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) dropped from 3.6% in July to 2.7% in September.
Childcare Shortages are a Workforce Issue
The current childcare shortage in the United States is a multifaceted issue stemming from a combination of economic, social, and policy-related factors.
Spruce Apartments: A Case Study on Developing Workforce Housing in Rural Pottawatomie County Kansas
This case study focuses on the development of a 10-unit multiplex and adjacent ADA-compliant duplex housing project in Wamego, Kansas. The project utilized a historic building and involved a range of partners, taking advantage of grants and incentives. The project aimed to address affordable housing needs in the area while fostering economic development.
Affordable Housing for Workforce Attraction and Retention
Attainable housing is a foundational element of economic development. Community involvement in promoting attainable housing ensures that the local economy remains competitive, resilient, and inclusive, while supporting the long-term growth and well-being of the community.
Housing Affordability in Pottawatomie County and Beyond
Housing affordability has become a widespread issue across the United States, affecting both urban areas and small rural communities. Key reasons include rising construction costs, land and infrastructure costs, limited housing supply, migration trends, interest rates and financing challenges, and more.