Northwest Kansas needs Hays; Hays needs northwest Kansas

Weird title, isn't it? But true. Upon being asked to write an article for The Hays Daily News Progress Edition, one would think that as a city commissioner, my text would tout the strengths Hays has. Correct, but there's more to it than that.

Yes, Hays now boasts approximately 7.5 square miles of residential and commercial development. Yes, our university is a standout among Regent schools, and our medical center provides superb care and contributes substantially in making Hays a retirement community. Downtown is rebuilding and may soon be home to a unique registered historic district. Development north of Interstate 70 is progressing briskly, sales tax collections indicate business is good, and new housing development continues. Life is good, right?

Sometimes, we in Hays can inadvertently paint too rosy a picture of our economic situation. While Hays appears to be “on the grow,” we must never forget the “big picture.”

The second-to-last set of population figures that, to my knowledge, was published showed Hays had finally reached 20,000. The latest figure indicates we've dropped below 20,000 again.

Population projections kindly provided by our economic coalition indicate Hays will grow by almost 5,500 residents within 15 years.

Other documents provided by the same indicate Ellis County will lose residents during that period. Although it's understood that residents in rural Ellis County could relocate to Hays and some could move away, the bottom line still does not equate. Thus, different projections offer different interpretations.

Given that there may be a huge margin of error, one might still be able to project a trend. It's no secret that Hays is the largest trade area between Salina and Denver, making it a hub.

We in Hays enjoy the close proximity of the amenities our city offers, but we can't be blind to what lies beyond our 7.5 square miles.

Beyond our city limits lies miles and miles of people who helped make Hays what it is today. Unfortunately, the number of people in this 20-county primary and secondary trade area is projected to decrease over the next 10 years.

If Hays grows, but the region shrinks at a faster rate, then, at some point, we, too, will stop growing and begin regressing.

Having spent my early years in Victoria, my wish was for Hays to grow so that it could always provide what we in Victoria needed. I also know that those in 19 other counties were a large part of why Hays grew, and in turn, enjoyed what Hays provided. Keep in mind each northwestern Kansas community is unique and great in its own right.

At this point in time, 130,000 people in 20 counties have likely invested in Hays as well as in the entire northwest quadrant of our great state. Let's all protect our investment.

How? You ask.

By working as a region. I answer.

Yes, there are organizations in place that conduct meetings with various regional representatives. In conjunction with those organizations, Hays leaders need to help develop a plan of action to take a regional approach to the next level. I will work toward that, and I feel confident my colleagues will, too. Let's open a 20-county dialogue on water, recreation, job creation, tourism, education, security and consolidation of services.

Those outside of Hays need to know they are appreciated, and they, too, should work together with Hays so that the community remains large enough to offer the region quality higher education, jobs, superior medical services, numerous choices in goods and services, and enhanced quality of life.

Should a community within the region be a good fit for a manufacturing or a housing facility, for example, the rest of the region should pitch in as feasible to accommodate that community. Water and other life essentials should be held in highest regard for each community, while other areas of aid would include grant assistance for infrastructure improvements, lobbying on regional issues, possibly bulk-buying supplies, sharing services, etc. These objectives may not all be attainable, but discussing them collaboratively would begin the process of how we can assist each other. Let's share our resources.

For 130,000 people, prioritizing first that which is necessary to sustain life can create a region destined to survive and prosper. Economics aside, being good neighbors makes good sense. Together, we can ensure that our own will stay, and more will come. Divided, we all lose.

Northwest Kansas needs Hays; Hays needs northwest Kansas. Some may call it a paradox. Some may call it a Catch 22. Most can definitely call it an incomplete sentence. I call it “the circle of life.”

Wayne Billinger is a city commissioner in Hays.