Page 36 - FDI Alliance International Magazine, July 2019 Interactive Issue_Neat

Topeka, KS is a vibrant capital city filled with friendly preparing students for college and careers and
people, an affordable cost of living, and access to expanding education for adults.
excellent education programs. Short commutes Creating vibrant and attractive places includes
allow for residents to work within their desired optimizing tools and programs to improve quality
fields while pursuing their favorite leisure activities of place, developing a dynamic regional core, and
in their down time. Most residents of Topeka would investing in infrastructure that promotes quality
agree: the capital city is a wonderful place to live, of place.
work, and play.

Securing Topeka’s future as a desirable place to
raise families, start a business, or simply enjoy
visiting, community leaders began working on a
development strategy known as Momentum 2022.
Momentum 2022 is a four-phase research and
strategic planning process that included community
engagement, regional scorecards and competitive
assessment, developing holistic economic
development strategy and finally, implementation
all to be completed within a five year span. The
framework for implementing the process includes
five specific goals: develop homegrown talent,
create vibrant and attractive places, grow a diverse
economy, promote a positive image, and collaborate
for a strong community.

More specifically, developing homegrown talent
includes aligning the “talent pipeline” already existing
in Topeka and Shawnee County, ensuring that all
children in the area are ready for kindergarten,

36 FDI ALLIANCE | JULY ISSUE 2019