SB 198 – ROZ
By Ashley Bogle | Community issues
So it is official…the Rural Opportunity Zones will become a reality with the coming of the State’s new year. I got to thinking…”this would have been nice when I was graduating” which got me thinking…how would I have known about this at the time so I could take advantage of the program?
In order for this legislation to really work and really help rural Kansas I think we must play an integral role. After all, a great number of us are a lot closer in age to new graduates (or are new graduates) than some of our local officials. We could really give our PowerOns some insight into what is important at the time of graduation while looking for a location.
PowerUps are the perfect conduit to bring grads together with our communities. The real questions is how can we help? First and foremost, I think we need to stay current with this legislation an the guidelines when they come out. Secondly, we can be the proactive ones and share what we know about the legislation and the transition from college to career with our officials. Thirdly, we can open the doors of communication with grads and soon to be grads to gather their input. And finally, we can share what we learn from our connections with eachother to bring…excuse me…Power all of rural Kansas up together.
If we become a part of the conversation and the solution on our local levels, we are then doing our part on a regional and state level to keep rural Kansas viable. After all, it has become really apparent that there are a number of young people who are rural by choice or are wanting to have that choice. This is as apparent as the number of rural communities that want young people to become apart of their special place. Let’s meet them half way!
OK…let’s hear your thoughts on what you think we can do to help make the Rural Opportunity Zone program a successful one.
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