By Enrico Villegas
City Insights
The City of Hutchinson has taken significant strides towards addressing the blight that has long affected both residential and commercial neighborhoods. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, we aim to restore pride and vitality to our community, as reflected in the “Love Where You Live” surveys that highlight this mission as a top priority.
A clear commitment to code enforcement and resident engagement through the City’s use of SeeClickFix has led to a surge in action, with cases escalating from 1,200 in 2022 to 3,600 in 2025. This uptick is mirrored by the city’s decision to bolster our team with an additional staff member, ensuring that we maintain the momentum needed to turn potential cases of neglect into opportunities for renewal.
Our focus on residential and commercial blight remediation has yielded tangible results. The condemnation and demolition of the Atrium site offer a fresh start, transforming it into a blank slate for future development.
Additionally, 2025 saw ten commercial properties brought before the Council. While several are earmarked for renovation, others are slated for demolition, paving the way for new growth opportunities.
A new partnership with Interfaith, launching in 2026, aims to tackle residential blight head-on. Interfaith will work diligently to purchase and refurbish blighted homes, assisting potential tenants in finding welcoming, new accommodations.
Similarly, the Commercial Facade Improvement Program will commence in 2026, offering matching grants to rejuvenate business facades, covering up to 50% of eligible costs with grants up to $10,000.
Our participation in the Reno County Tax Sale has allowed us to secure properties for future opportunities, integrating them into the city’s Land Bank. Collaborative efforts with Hutchinson Community College have seen the development of Land Bank properties along Avenue A.
As we project into the future, we anticipate the addition of over 100 new housing units to the Hutchinson market by the end of 2027, Plum Creek subdivision, Hays St (City development), and 36th & Monroe. Such growth not only addresses immediate housing demands but also drives economic revitalization and community well-being.
The efforts outlined here are not just about buildings and land—they reflect our unwavering commitment to making Hutchinson a place where residents take pride in their surroundings. The initiatives align with the feelings expressed in our “Love Where You Live” surveys, underscoring that together, we can create a vibrant and thriving Hutchinson for future generations.
Enrico Villegas is the Hutchinson City Manager. He can be reached at Enrico.Villegas@hutchinsonks.gov.