Mission Statement

Guide state and national actions that affect economic development in the region and adopt joint actions among member governments that enhance the regional economy.

REAP History

The Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP) is comprised of thirty-six city and county governments in nine counties of South Central Kansas, which include Butler, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, McPherson, Reno, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. These jurisdictions have voluntarily joined together for two primary purposes:

  • first, to guide state and national actions that affect economic development in the region; and
  • second, to consider and adopt joint actions among member governments that enhance the regional economy.

Recognizing the need for regional leadership, local governments in South Central Kansas had the foresight to form REAP in 1997. Since that time, REAP has grown into an established voice on issues of common concern.

More About REAP

Quick Facts of the REAP Region:

  • Home to more than 730,000 people, representing more than one-quarter of Kansas’ population.
  • Workforce of 400,183 workers, representing one-fourth of total employment in Kansas.
  • 81,360 manufacturing jobs, representing two-fifths of all manufacturing employment in Kansas.
  • Eight of the major (non-retail) employers featured on the Forbes 500 List.
  • Annual payroll of nearly $14,000,000,000, comprising 27% of total earning in Kansas. 
  • Approximately 417,000 registered voters.
  • Retail sales in excess of $9 billion, accounting for 27% of total sales in Kansas.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 Information