17 Jul Industrial Study Identifies Strengths, and Challenges, for McPherson’s Growth
In 2024, the McPherson Industrial Development Company (MIDC) received a $10,000 grant from the McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) to assess the city or McPherson’s readiness for further industrial development.
The funding allowed MIDC to partner with Global Location Strategies (GLS), a nationally respected site selection firm, for a comprehensive evaluation of McPherson’s economic landscape. The grant removed a key financial barrier, enabling MIDC to bring in GLS Principal Sarah White for a full-day assessment of the community’s industrial assets, workforce capacity, and competitiveness in attracting and retaining businesses.
“Her visit included tours of local industrial parks, stakeholder meetings, and a presentation to community leaders,” said Kasi Morales, executive director of MIDC. “She was able to affirm McPherson’s strengths.”
White’s report found that McPherson’s manufacturing location quotient is more than three times the national average. In addition, the city’s industrial electricity rate—just 5.3 cents per kilowatt-hour through the Board of Public Utilities—is highly competitive.
White also identified potential challenges in the site selection process. Workforce availability and community livability emerged as top concerns. With low unemployment rates nationwide, retaining talent has become just as important as infrastructure.
Morales said efforts are already underway to address these issues.
MIDC has applied for a $500,000 workforce development grant to support a high school-to-career pipeline. The initiative would help students earn industry-recognized credentials and transition directly into local manufacturing jobs.
Local colleges are also stepping up. McPherson College plans to launch a mechanical engineering program in 2026, and Hutchinson Community College’s McPherson Center will offer new technical training programs starting this fall.
Workforce attraction efforts extend beyond talent development. Housing and childcare, two critical components, are seeing increased investment.
Twenty-four new low-income senior housing units recently opened, potentially freeing up additional housing in surrounding communities. The city of McPherson is also implementing pattern zoning to support infill development of smaller housing units, while private developers are exploring downtown apartment projects.
To expand childcare access, the City of McPherson has committed ongoing funding. A new partnership between the McPherson YMCA and Wichita YMCA will further increase childcare options for working families.
MCCF and its Childcare Task Force continue working to expand access to licensed childcare countywide. Since its formation in 2023, the task force has secured more than $1 million in grant funding, with a majority of it focused on infant and toddler care.
“The GLS report provided the clarity and urgency needed to align efforts across the community,” Morales said. “With a strategic plan now in development, McPherson is taking deliberate steps to ensure it remains a competitive, livable, and investment-ready community.”
About Mastermind McPherson County:
The MIDC grant was awarded through MCCF’s Mastermind McPherson County initiative, which funds projects aligned with community-identified priorities. In McPherson, one of the top priorities is the development of new businesses and jobs that offer above-average wages.
Presentations of the 2025 Mastermind survey results will begin in early August. MCCF staff will visit each community to share local results, and a countywide presentation will provide a broader perspective.
These presentations allow the foundation to provide context to survey data and help identify potential solutions. The process culminates in a round of grant funding for projects that address survey-identified priorities.
In addition to the MIDC grant, MCCF awarded more than $60,000 to other local organizations in 2024.
To learn more about the Mastermind process or view last year’s results, [click here].