“We have really embraced the Air Force base,” says Dan Squires, director of planning and engineering for the city. McConnell, he says, is always involved in planning decisions within certain zones near the base by requirement — but the base is often consulted on planning and projects even outside of those areas. The impact of McConnell is felt all across town, from jobs and housing to local spending by base personnel, all helping to give Derby a large portion of the half-billion dollar economic impact the base has within the 50-mile radius surrounding it.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
