Coffeyville teams up with KU-AAI to develop long-term community action plan

COFFEYVILLE — A school district’s need for a renewed strategic plan was the catalyst for the first Community Futures Planning workshop in Kansas. Local leaders from across the Coffeyville community came together to discuss their current reality and what their community could become over the next two decades. 

Community members from the county, city and local organizations and businesses engaged in two days of Community Futures Planning workshops focused on building a shared vision for their community. 

Lisa Scheck, one of the workshop participants, was born and raised in Coffeyville. After college and about a decade in the Kansas City area, she returned home to start a family with her husband. Scheck works at her family’s business, Thompson Brothers Welding Industrial Supplies, a Coffeyville company established in 1948 that has around 30 local employees. 

"We have a lot of people who love Coffeyville,” Scheck said, “and those people are investing back into our community, and I think that is promising for everybody.” 

The Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI), a University of Kansas research institute that partners with schools, organizations and communities to strengthen systems that support learning and well-being, facilitated the workshop. 

AAI worked with participants to examine current issues and mindsets facing Coffeyville, envision possible futures, set short- and long-term goals and identify action steps they can take now. 

“This process gives communities space to step back from immediate needs and think together about the conditions they want to create for possible futures,” said Trina Emler, a senior associate researcher and futurist with AAI. “Participants brought a deep understanding of Coffeyville’s strengths, challenges and possibilities.” 

Participating community members analyzed political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental factors to identify current priorities and future opportunities. They used that analysis to look beyond immediate tensions to imagine possibilities and future pathways. 

Coffeyville community members identified strengths and challenges that may need to be addressed as the community moves toward desired futures. 

Strengths included: 

• Strong community assets and institutions 
• Commitment to young people, education and workforce development 
• Enthusiasm for revitalization and quality of place. 

Challenges and opportunities for growth included: 

• Population, talent attraction and retention 
• Housing, infrastructure and community appearance 
• Economic diversity and community amenities 
• External forces and long-term adaptability.

Recommendations and action steps were developed during the workshop that can serve as priorities for Coffeyville’s 15-year strategic plan.

“This community has been very resilient,” said Chris Weiner, the city’s director of electric services. “We’re going to get back up, and we’re going to get back on that horse, and we’re going to try and make a positive impact and positive difference.” 

AAI will continue to support Coffeyville and its community members as local leaders put their shared vision and 15-year plan into action.