Transportation, education, economics, health, and housing were some of the topics covered in the community needs assessment survey results. Riley County Senior Service Center Project Coordinator, Debbie Nuss presented on this item during the joint Riley County/Pottawatomie County/Manhattan City Commission meeting Thursday afternoon.
Concerns/needs outlined within the county include affordable housing, growth, and government. Housing issues were referenced several times within the plan, as the median housing price in Riley County is $174,900 and the state’s average is $129,500.
Riley County Commissioner, Ron Wells took the time to comment on the concerns with better paying jobs for local residents. Wells stated he believes the better paying jobs are out there, but people tend to take different jobs for less pay that require less work. Pottawatomie County Commissioner, Pat Wiexelman seemed to agree with Wells and shared examples of frustrating situations with younger under-motivated employees.
These assessment results will be used as framework for the community health improvement planning currently taking place in the area.
The commissioners also viewed an update from Chad Bunger, who is the Senior Planner and Flood Plain Manager for the City of Manhattan, on the Wildcat Creek flood plain management plan.
