NACDEP

05/30/2026

Interested in growing connections at the local level? Have you ever imagined taking it as granular as getting people together in their neighborhood to create change? Then you might be interested in the 2026 NACDEP Mobile Workshop Where Change Takes Root: A Tour of Neighborhood Innovation with The Neighboring Movement!

Join this tour to discover how The Neighboring Movement transforms communities through asset-based community and economic development and strategic partnerships. This interactive tour will take you through real-world examples of our economic development work in the South Central neighborhood—from an urban corner revitalization project to innovative nonprofit spaces such as Legacy Works ICT and Harvester Arts. You'll learn how we mobilize neighbor gifts and resources to create sustainable change, exploring everything from our nonprofit-to-impact fund structure to the power of community investment. Come see firsthand how abundance thinking and relationship-building spark lasting transformation right where people live. There are plans to taste some of the best tacos in Wichita on this tour - who doesn't love an excellent taco!?

Space is limited to 30 attendees – register early!

Learn more about the Neighboring Movement here: https://neighboringmovement.org/soce-neighborhood

To register for the conference, visit: https://www.nacdep.net/2026-nacdep-conference

SoCe is our founding neighborhood, and our office is located at the heart of it. Find how you can get involved, lead, or connect with neighbors.

05/28/2026

Eager to connect with NACDEP Colleagues before the conference and discuss important and relevant topics - then don't forget about our Be in CD Drop in Conversation happening tomorrow at 1pm EST - check your email for connection information!

05/27/2026

It's what you've been waiting for! NACDEP Merch!!!!

There are all types of options, polos, travel mugs, notebooks, etc. Check it out - hope to see you decked out in our logo at the NACDEP Conference in June!!!

https://shop.printyourcause.com/campaigns/nacdep-store

05/26/2026

Love history and walking? The 2026 NACDEP Mobile Workshop Community Development in the Heart of Wichita is for you!

See many historical items of interest as well as recent economic development projects which make Douglas Avenue a gathering place in Wichita. Like many downtowns, Douglas Avenue declined as the suburbs developed. See and hear how intentional placemaking efforts have revitalized downtown Wichita and made Douglas Avenue “the place to be” (once again)! This is a 1.4 mile walking tour on flat terrain- please dress and plan accordingly.

Stories and stops include:

♦ 1958 Dockum Drug Store: The role of the 1958 Dockum Drug Store in ending segregation at Rexall Drug Stores
♦ Old Mill Tasty Shop – Sit for a spell at the oldest fountain in Wichita, founded in 1932 during the depression. Participants will be treated with a soda from the fountain.
♦ Kansas Health Foundation/Kansas Leadership Center: Hear why one of the largest foundations in Kansas chooses to partner with K-State Extension.
♦ Placemaking efforts: Gallery Alley, an interactive arts and culture spot with small businesses along the alley. Naftsger Park, a community gathering spot for live events of all kinds.
♦ Following the last stop, participants can walk back to the hotel or visit with new friends at the Dockum Speakeasy in the Ambassador Hotel over an adult beverage of their choice.

Space is limited to 25 attendees so be sure to register early!

Interested in exploring what's in store? Check out Visit Wichita's guide: https://www.visitwichita.com/about-wichita/wichita-distinct-districts/downtown-wichita-at-the-center-of-it-all/

To register for the conference, visit: https://www.nacdep.net/2026-nacdep-conference

Explore shops and restaurants, ride the free Q-Line, and discover why downtown Wichita is a thriving hub of social, professional, and cultural experiences.

05/22/2026

Interested in regenerative agriculture, ag education or farm to plate? Then you might like the 2026 NACDEP Mobile Workshop From Farm to Plate- KanGrow Hydro Farms and Odd Fellows Hall

Get a behind-the-scenes tour of Kan Grow Hydro Farm, farmer and chef Jimmy Vo will give you a tour of his operation. His farm focuses on regenerative agriculture and also supports agricultural education through the Growing Growers program. Then Jimmy will join us to tour Odd Fellow Hall. This event space is in the historic Delano District and has undergone a full renovation. Jimmy is one of the chefs who often caters and hosts events in the space. You will enjoy learning from Jimmy as he truly takes Farm to Plate! There will be a walk around the farm so appropriate attire is recommended.

Space is limited to 30 attendees – register early!

Learn more about KanGrow Hydro and Jimmy Vo here: https://growinggrowers.org/host-farms/kan-grow-hydro-farm/

Register for the conference here: https://www.nacdep.net/2026-nacdep-conference

Farmer(s): Jimmy VoLocation: Wichita, KSWebsite/Social Media: Facebook, InstagramPreferred Method of Contact: [email protected]

05/20/2026

Interested in supporting local foods? Then you might be interested in the 2026 NACDEP Mobile Workshop Blueprints for Rural Grocery Success Tour: Sumner County Grocery & Food Access!

Visit two rural grocery stores located south of Wichita - Hired Man's Grocery in Conway Springs, and Ellis Island Farm in Belle Plaine.

Hired Man's Grocery was built from the ground up in 2007 and opened in 2008 by lifetime Conway Springs residents. Ellis Island Farms was established in response to the community losing its long-time grocery store. Michelle Ellis responded by beginning to carry groceries within her boutique. The community has responded, and Michelle continues to meet her community's needs and works with local farmers to sell produce. A team member from K-State's Extension's Rural Grocery Initiative will also be on the tour and will be able to share resources regarding how we provide technical assistance to rural grocers across the United States. Bonus: A snack will be provided at each stop for a taste of Kansas!

Space is limited to 30 attendees – register early!

To learn more about the Rural Grocery Initiative, visit: https://www.ruralgrocery.org/

To register for the conference, visit: https://www.nacdep.net/2026-nacdep-conference

05/18/2026

Interested in historical tourism? Then you might enjoy the 2026 NACDEP Mobile Workshop Building Community from History: Chisholm Trail and Delano, where the West was Wild!

Participants will see how Wichita has built on its Old West/Chisholm Trail history for community development. Those on this tour can experience the historic Delano district along the Chisholm Trail, observe the community development near the Kansas River, and experience Old West history at the Old Cowtown Museum. Participants will take a quick walk from the Drury Hotel along Douglas Avenue, cross the Kansas River bridge, and enter the infamous Delano District, a Chisholm Trail destination. A longhorn sculpture and historic marker will greet participants before they reach the beautiful Clock Tower.

Stops along the tour will include:

➢ Delano District- Delano was where the aircraft industry began in Wichita – a city now known as the Air Capitol. Other features to be highlighted include the streetscape in Delano, unique shops, and the Chisholm Trail Parkway. A bus ride will take participants by a 100-year-old mulberry tree which was a historic marker for the Chisholm Trail. From there, bus riders would be shown the new baseball stadium, the Keeper of the Plains statue, the Mid-America All Indian Center, Wichita Art Museum and Exploration Place on the way to Old Cowtown Museum for a guided tour.

➢ Old Cowtown Museum - Old Cowtown Museum is one of the oldest open-air history
museums in the central United States, with 54 historic and re-created buildings situated on 23 acres of land off the original Chisholm Trail. Visitors can walk the 1870s-era streets, visit the Texas longhorns, see the pioneer farm, view the new Billy the Kid monument, enjoy a cold sarsaparilla, and more.

Space is limited to 56 attendees so register early!

Learn more about the Delano District here: https://www.visitwichita.com/about-wichita/wichita-distinct-districts/historic-delano-district/

Register for the conference here: https://www.nacdep.net/2026-nacdep-conference

Explore the Historic Delano District and find unique local businesses and shopping stops like Hatman Jack's and Bungalow 26, or delicious eateries like Yokohama Ramen Joint, Monarch and Milkfloat.

05/16/2026

Still trying to decide what Mobile Workshop at the 2026 NACDEP Conference might be your fit?

Quick question for you then - do you have an interest in space?

Discover how a world‑class aerospace museum in the heart of rural Kansas fuels community identity, regional economic vitality, and long‑term development. This mobile workshop takes participants to the Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, a globally recognized STEM and space‑science attraction that draws visitors, educators, and industry partners from across the country. The workshop highlights how rural communities leverage unique cultural institutions to strengthen workforce pipelines, attract tourism dollars, support local businesses, and cultivate community pride!

Space is limited to 50 attendees, so register early!

https://www.nacdep.net/2026-nacdep-conference

Learn more about the Cosmosphere at https://cosmo.org/

05/14/2026

Who wouldn't want this view of the Arkansas River right before you're about to settle down for the evening? That's just what you might get if you attend the 2026 NACDEP Conference in June!

If your window doesn't happen to face the river, it's even better in person taking a step outside into the evening air to see it up close by walking right up to the banks of the river!

Haven't had a chance to register yet? Here's your opportunity: https://www.nacdep.net/2026-nacdep-conference