McPherson City Digest

Interview: Mayor Links Economic Future to Workforce Housing

James Loving, whose four decades of leadership experience includes 20 years as President of the National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA), has assumed the mayor’s office with a focus on leveraging McPherson’s unique industrial strength. Loving views the city's robust industrial base and the low electric rates provided by the city-owned Board of Public Utilities as competitive advantages that allow McPherson to accomplish economic feats that other towns its size cannot.

To sustain this prosperity, Loving is prioritizing strategic alignment between the City and key economic drivers, including the McPherson Industrial Development Company (MIDC), the Chamber of Commerce, and the BPU. He emphasizes that these entities must stop working in "silos" and instead collaborate on a unified vision for the future, noting that the MIDC will lead a facilitation process this spring to map out where the city wants to be industrially and economically.

Loving identifies the lack of affordable workforce housing as the primary bottleneck facing this economic agenda, warning that inflation has outpaced wages and made the "price of entry" for homeownership too high for new workers. He reframes housing not just as a resident issue but as a critical infrastructure requirement for industry, arguing that "if we have better workforce housing... we'll have better workers," which is essential for business retention and growth.

Ultimately, Loving’s administration is guided by the philosophy that "a rising tide lifts all boats," asserting that a thriving economy is the foundation for the community’s overall well-being. He acknowledges that achieving this vision won't be without obstacles. Keeping a clipping on his desk for 45 years that reads, "a smooth trail may get you there faster, but a rough trail teaches you more," Loving embraces the difficult work ahead. He acknowledges he hasn't always done things the "easy way," but views the rough trail as a necessary part of learning and moving the city forward.

Grant Program Rehabs Homes, Rebuilds Walnut Street

The City Commission and the South Central Kansas Economic Development District held a public hearing Jan. 6 to close out the 2022 Community Development Block Grant, marking the successful rehabilitation of 12 homes and the reconstruction of a block on Walnut Street. The $500,000 award from the Kansas Department of Commerce allocated $300,000 for housing modifications and $200,000 for street repairs, impacting 29 low- to moderate-income residents with the help of over $18,000 in local contributions.

City Recycles Concrete for Future Projects

To reduce material costs for upcoming infrastructure work, the City contracted with Air Capitol Recycling between late December and January to crush concrete at a site in south McPherson. The operation exceeded expectations, producing 11,612 tons of reusable product at a total cost of $127,734, providing a stockpile of material for future city projects.

Commission Approves Funds for Sidewalk Repairs

The City Commission voted Jan. 26 to allocate $15,000 for the 2026 Sidewalk Maintenance Program, an initiative designed to eliminate trip hazards and improve pedestrian safety. The funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis to reimburse property owners for material costs associated with replacing damaged sidewalks, sharing the financial burden of maintenance.

State Seeks Input on Outdoor Recreation Plan

Kansas State University is conducting a survey to inform the 2027-2037 Kansas Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which will guide future funding and development of parks and trails. The 10-to-15-minute survey seeks resident feedback on the value of outdoor amenities to help public agencies and non-profits prioritize infrastructure and community engagement strategies.

Fire Department Releases Annual Report, Unveils Trucks

Fire Chief Chad Mayberry reported a slight increase in service calls for 2025, totaling 1,767 responses, largely due to a policy change requiring the department to respond to all medical calls rather than just assists. The department also announced a "push-in celebration" for Feb. 12 to debut two new brush trucks designed for rough terrain and to showcase the newly staffed Station 2.

New Homes Rise in Deerfield South Estates

Construction is underway on approximately 40 new homes in the Deerfield South Estates in southeast McPherson, offering reduced pricing and down-payment assistance for qualified buyers. The development is part of an effort to expand housing options in the area, with officials encouraging prospective homeowners to investigate the available financial incentives.

Police Chief Reports Drop in Calls for Service

Police Chief Mikel Golden presented the 2025 annual report to the commission Jan. 6, noting a slight decrease in calls for service to 13,534, continuing a downward trend since 2021. The department handled 1,875 cases and issued nearly 1,400 tickets, while also responding to 42 mental health-related calls, the vast majority of which resulted in voluntary hospital admissions for support.

EMS Responds to Over 2,500 Calls in 2025

McPherson Emergency Medical Services Director Will Moore reported that the agency responded to 2,503 calls in 2025, with Fridays and the 2 p.m. hour being the busiest times for service. Moore noted that the fire department’s increased role in medical response has led to more cancellations en route for EMS when fire crews arrive first and determine an ambulance is unnecessary.

Public Works Outlines Infrastructure Improvements

Public Works Director Eric Duerksen updated the commission on several infrastructure projects, including plans to improve Hickory Street and the sewer system on Tulip Street, with work potentially beginning in April 2026. Updates were also provided on the Northview 10-foot sidewalk project, currently paused due to weather, and a future Kansas Department of Transportation improvement project for U.S. Highway 56 slated for 2027.

[Source: McPherson City February Newsletter]

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