Editorial: Overcoming our population problem

By The Capital-Journal Editorial Board

Last month, we discussed the importance of attracting young talent to Topeka.

According to a recent community assessment conducted by Market Street Services Inc., population growth in Topeka hasn’t kept pace with other large metro areas in Kansas. Between 2005 and 2015, the state’s population increased by around 166,000 people, and “approximately 86 percent of this growth occurred in Douglas, Johnson, Riley and Sedgwick counties.” However, despite the fact that Shawnee County constitutes 6 percent of the overall population in Kansas, it accounted for only 4 percent of the state’s population growth during this period.

To read the full article click here. If it has been removed, please email Alexia Eanes for a copy of the entire article

Editorial: Forge attracts young professionals

The Capital-Journal Editorial Board 

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Topeka’s population fell for the fifth straight year in 2016. While the census is conducted every decade, the Census Bureau provides annual population estimates for cities, counties and states across the country. When the last census was released in 2010, Topeka had a population of 127,473 — a number that has fallen to 126,808 if the Census Bureau’s estimate is accurate. The 2015-2016 decrease (457 people) was larger than any of the preceding four years. 

A static or shrinking population can have harmful effects on a community. In September 2016, Market Street Services Inc. completed a community assessment that “examines the competitive issues facing Topeka-Shawnee County” for the Topeka-Shawnee County Holistic Economic Development Strategy steering committee... 

To read the full article click here. If it has been removed, please email Alexia Eanes for a copy of the entire article.