The next step in the Heartland Visioning process

The Heartland Visioning first draft has been released today… as promised! The first thing I noticed was how concise it is… I know, that’s not at all the most important piece…. but this process started nearly 6 months ago with lots of data and input from the community. And, at 36 pages, it’s impressive to me that there really is a focused vision of what Topeka can be.

The first part of the report is tough to get through. It’s important, though… it’s the argument for change. But, Topeka is a place I love, and it’s hard to hear the truth sometimes. (For example, I really don’t care for my doctor to point out that I’m overweight.) However, by acknowledging the problems and a focusing on a new direction, Topeka can make a change (and in an oh-so-similar way, addressing my own weight issue is the only way that situation will change).

Forgive my slightly silly analogy, but I think that it makes a point.

While the Plan doesn’t hold any official weight…. no laws will be put in place after the draft’s been approved, the Heartland Visioning Steering Committee will not be the ones who will be investing in the downtown development (perhaps as individuals, but not as an entity)… so, the way this will take effect, is by all the citizens here. I’d encourage you to take a look at the Draft Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan and then submit your comments. It’s scheduled to be formalized in October, so be sure to take the time to look this over. You know that our elected officials will be looking to this document to get direction in the future. And the more input that’s received, even in this later step, the more importance can be placed on the document.

I’m really interested in what you think of the plan!

• denisecloseAuthor: denise Name:
  Email: goodende@yahoo.com
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  About: I've lived in Topeka since 1996 (with the exception of living in Holton for a few years). I moved here to get married to a Topeka native. I've met several people who have become friends who I now miss seeing regularly as they've moved out of the city to go elsewhere. Currently, I own and operate Moments Imagined, an event planning firm. Out of the last 4 weddings that I've worked, only one couple live in Topeka. I'd love to see Topeka as a place that retains its young professionals.See Authors Posts (8)
• August 25th, 2008
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• Topeka News