FUNdamentally Local Government: Back to the Basics
The start of a new year is a time to reset priorities and focus our energy where it matters most. Recently, the City Commission set priorities for 2026 and directed staff to focus on the City’s core services and improve how policies and ordinances are carried out. With that in mind, this year’s Manager’s Minute theme is “FUNdamentally Local Government.”
The City Commission’s top three priorities remain unchanged: maintaining infrastructure, supporting the health and vitality of our community, and addressing housing needs. These priorities reflect the wide range of responsibilities local government holds and help guide budget and policy decisions. Because every decision we make impacts our residents, it’s critical that City staff and elected officials stay aligned around shared goals and values.
Maintaining Infrastructure
Residents expect certain needs to be met when they choose to live or do business in Concordia. Streets should be open and in good condition. Stormwater should flow properly to prevent flooding. Clean water should come out of the tap and flow safely through the sewer system. Police, Fire, and EMS should respond quickly when 911 is called. Buildings should be safe to occupy, and parks should be clean, safe, and welcoming.
Meeting these expectations requires responsible financial management and a strong, dedicated workforce. Local government has a duty to be good stewards of public funds. That means understanding where our money comes from, how it’s spent, and how to make the most of grants and other funding opportunities to stretch limited resources as far as possible.
Supporting Community Health and Vitality
A healthy community is a vibrant one, and the City plays an important supporting role. We encourage property owners to maintain their properties in ways that reflect pride in Concordia and respect for neighbors and visitors. When voluntary compliance doesn’t happen, residents rely on the City to address blight, nuisances, and unsafe conditions fairly, effectively, and in a timely manner.
We also recognize that many social challenges require specialized services. The City depends on partnerships with other organizations to help meet these needs and support the quality of life our residents expect. Strengthening those partnerships is essential to a thriving community.
Housing
The 2022 Concordia Housing Study identified an immediate shortage of more than 200 homes—a number expected to grow due to the age and condition of existing housing and the lack of new construction for a decade. In response, the City partnered with CloudCorp and local businesses to encourage new home construction and private investment. The results are visible with development underway in the St. Joseph Subdivision and additional projects in progress.
Preserving existing housing is just as important. Through property maintenance standards and code enforcement, the City works with property owners to keep homes safe, functional, and attractive.
What will feel different in 2026? You may notice the City saying “not now” to new projects while we focus on finishing current ones. You may see fewer grant applications for new initiatives and more attention on maintaining public facilities, code enforcement, and policy education. Above all, you’ll continue to see the commitment of City staff and the City Commission to a strong, thriving Concordia—today and for generations to come. Because in Concordia, We Build Community!
