2009 Kansas Code
Chapter 74 STATE BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND AUTHORITIES
Article 99e KANSAS COMMISSION ON RURAL POLICY
74-99e03. Duties and powers.

74-99e03

Chapter 74.--STATE BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND AUTHORITIES Article 99e.--KANSAS COMMISSION ON RURAL POLICY

      74-99e03.   Duties and powers. (a) The Kansas commission on rural policy shall develop recommendations for community-based programming and funding in the following key areas: Fostering leadership; encouraging wealth retention and generation; developing entrepreneurship through the coordination of existing programs; and retaining youth in rural communities. The commission shall not compete with, duplicate or assume the responsibilities or functions of existing federal or state funded programs and organizations, in delivering services related to the above key areas, but will design, collaborate with and optimize the activities of such other agencies in a comprehensive effort.

      (b)   Prior to July 1, 2010, the commission shall perform the following:

      (1)   Develop a comprehensive plan for fulfillment of the commission's duties, including an evaluation of the current efforts being utilized to fulfill the commission's objectives, and report on the best practices currently being conducted and on the commission's activities to the legislature during the 2010 legislative session;

      (2)   develop partnerships with other organizations to offer technical assistance to rural communities seeking programming assistance; and

      (3)   develop partnerships with private organizations and institutions engaged in rural development strategies to identify best practices and make those resources available to rural communities through a centralized point of contact.

      (c)   In addition to the duties set forth in subsection (b), the commission, once appointed and confirmed, shall perform the following:

      (1)   Develop on-the-ground resources for rural communities utilizing existing resources and partnerships or by developing new efforts and strategies;

      (2)   act in concert with contracting organizations to develop fundamental capacity building resources to assist communities in achieving growth using the key areas set forth in subsection (a);

      (3)   review rural development programs in other state agencies and provide strategic recommendations to such agencies including, but not limited to, programs that promote new homestead opportunities for individuals, new incentives for businesses to expand or relocate and general business development;

      (4)   serve as a convener of organizations engaged in activities focused on the key areas set forth in subsection (a) to develop unified recommendations for rural development efforts across the state;

      (5)   develop and recommend to the secretary of commerce a strategic mission for the office of rural opportunity;

      (6)   report annually to the legislature with each annual report to include a report on the activities of the commission, recommendations by the commission and suggestions for legislation.

      History:   L. 2008, ch. 173, § 3; L. 2009, ch. 126, § 5; July 1.