HASTINGS - McCook has been selected as one of five communities in Nebraska to be part of a new program aimed at community renewal and youth retention, the Revitalize and Thrive initiative.

In addition to McCook, the other Nebraska communities are southeast Omaha, Cozad, Auburn and Seward, which will all participate in an innovative partnership focused on community revitalization and retention of their young people.

McCook’s initiative is a collaboration between the McCook Economic Development Corp., the McCook Community Foundation Fund and Community Hospital, along with other local partners. 

Amanda Engell, MEDC Housing Director and the local coordinator for the initiative, is excited to see this project launch and how the community comes together because economic development no longer looks the way many people traditionally recall.

“Addressing the complex challenges our community faces today requires a multi-faceted approach and a willingness to take on many roles as we work to grow and strengthen McCook,” Engell said, adding, “We’re still focused on business attraction, retention, and support, along with housing and childcare, but more and more, those conversations are closely tied to attracting and retaining people. Many groups and organizations around the community are having the same conversations. We are excited to participate in this initiative to help us build upon the conversations we have been having locally so we can take our actions to the next level.” 

As part of the Revitalize and Thrive program, the selected communities will collaborate closely with nationally recognized revitalization strategist Jeff Siegler, along with regional leaders and student interns, to develop strategies that strengthen local identity, foster economic vibrancy, and create a more compelling reason for young people to stay, return, or relocate to their hometowns.

The Revitalize and Thrive program seeks to tackle the longstanding challenge of brain drain—the outmigration of young talent from rural and urban communities across Nebraska. By blending creative placemaking, local leadership development, and grassroots engagement, the program aims to empower communities to write their own comeback stories.

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside these five communities,” said Josephine Parker, Revitalize and Thrive Partnership Co-coordinator alongside Lily Teeple. “Each community brings a unique set of strengths and challenges, and we believe that by building strong local partnerships and supporting community-led efforts, we can make lasting change.”

Through site visits, hands-on workshops, and guided implementation plans, each community will explore ways to revitalize their downtowns, enhance quality of life, and improve opportunities for the next generation. The focus will be on:

- Strengthening local identity

- Reimagining main streets

- Creating places young people want to stay, return to, or rediscover

The initiative is made possible through support from local and state partners and reflects a growing commitment across Nebraska to invest in the future of its communities.