Work will begin the week of Feb. 16 to replace the Little Osage River bridge on K-3 about two miles south of the Linn County line, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
The 36-mile official detour (see map) will be in place later that week, conditions permitting. KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.
Southbound K-3 traffic should follow the signed detour west on K-31 to U.S. 59, south on U.S. 59 to U.S. 54 and east on U.S. 54. Northbound traffic should follow the detour route in the opposite direction.
The project is expected to be completed by December, conditions permitting.
The new bridge will be 313 feet long and 32 feet wide with 12-foot driving lanes and 4-foot shoulders.
KDOT awarded the $4.19 million construction contract to Bridges Inc., of Newton. The project is funded through KDOT’s 10-year, nearly $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), which is focusing on preserving, modernizing and expanding Kansas’ transportation system.
Check KDOT’s www.kandrive.gov for updated highway conditions and construction details. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Information Officer Ray Nolting at (620) 902-6433.
AG Kris Kobach: New Kansas VINE features assist victims of crime
TOPEKA – (February 19, 2026) – The Office of Attorney General is excited to announce that Kansas VINE now includes a searchable “Service Provider Directory” and an “I Need Guidance” feature.
VINE is the automated victim notification service for custody status on adult offenders held in county jail facilities in Kansas. VINE is a safety resource often used by crime victims needing immediate notification when an offender is released from jail or changes custody status.
The new “Service Provider Directory” and the “I Need Guidance” features provide access to resources from a central place, making it easier for a person to locate assistance. VINE users can search for state-approved local and national service providers by organization name, services they offer, and/or the type of crime. The providers in the directory can help with needs such as crisis services, counseling, housing, and financial resources, and victim advocacy.
“Our division’s experience talking to people across the state confirms that it can be overwhelming for victims of crime to locate and connect with services and support immediately after a crime occurred; and even months later when longer-term impacts emerge,” says Arica Roland, Associate Division Chief, Victim Services Division. “We are currently working with service providers across the state to build the directory to best serve victims of crime. During the beginning stages of building the directory, search requests will return with limited results. As more service providers are added to the directory, search requests will display additional resources available.”
Kansas Service Providers: We Need Your Help
The Office of the Attorney General and Kansas VINE are asking for Service Providers’ assistance. Please consider submitting your agency’s information to join the Kansas VINE Service Provider Directory. To join the Kansas VINE Service Provider Directory, go to the National Service Provider website, select Kansas, review the State Guidelines, select “Join” directory, and complete the survey. https://vine.equifax.com/service-provider-directory
Kansas VINE is free, confidential, and is accessible through the internet, telephone, and mobile App. VINE’s automated notifications are delivered via telephone, email, text message, and in-app. TTY (hearing impaired) service is also available. VINE information is available in English and Spanish. Kansas VINE is available-24/7/365 and can be reached by calling toll-free 1-866-574-8463, visiting www.vinelink.com, or via the VINELink mobile app.
Submitted photo. Governor Laura Kelly is second from right. The scene behind is a Hwy 69 Project poster.
Governor Kelly Celebrates Completion of 69Express Project in Overland Park
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly was joined by Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03), the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), local leaders, and state and local officials today in Overland Park to cut a ceremonial ribbon marking the opening of Kansas’ first express lanes on the U.S. 69 Express corridor. The project was among the first selected for funding under the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), a 10-year bipartisan initiative to modernize and expand Kansas’ transportation infrastructure.
KDOT’s $572 million design-build project, known as 69Express, included reconstruction of U.S. 69 in Overland Park, widening the highway with added express lanes – one northbound and one southbound between 103rd and 151st Streets – and interchange improvements at U.S. 69/167th Street.
The express lanes are scheduled to open to traffic on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
“The launch of Kansas’ first express lanes is a huge win for infrastructure in our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This project represents a forward-thinking approach to reducing congestion immediately while building a foundation for Johnson County’s future economic growth.’’
More than 80,000 vehicles use the 69Express corridor each day, with traffic volume expecting to increase by more than 30% by 2050. The express lanes will allow KDOT to manage congestion using tolls that vary based on traffic levels and time of day to keep express lane trips congestion-free. When drivers choose to pay the toll and move into the express lanes, traffic is then reduced in the non-tolled general-purpose lanes as well.
“This is a big day for our community,” said Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03). “Anyone who lives, works, or drives through Johnson County knows the frustration of sitting in traffic on U.S. 69. Too many families have also felt the pain of crashes on the highway. These new lanes will ease congestion, make travel safer, and give thousands of Kansans a more predictable, reliable commute every day. I’m proud of this team effort.”
Drivers will be able to enter and exit the express lanes at three points along U.S. 69: 103rd Street, Blue Valley Pkwy, and 151st Street. Dynamic messaging signs at these entry points will show the current toll rate to the driver’s destination. The rates shown on the sign are for drivers with two-axle vehicles and a KTAG or compatible transponder. These drivers will pay the lowest toll rate on 69Express – 50% lower than vehicles without a KTAG.
“69Express is the result of successful collaboration between our federal, state, and local partners,” said Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Together, we’re implementing express lanes as a sustainable congestion-management solution to provide drivers with reliable travel times today and as traffic grows in the future.”
The Kansas Turnpike Authority is KDOT’s tolling partner for 69Express. Drivers are encouraged to visit DriveKS.com, Kansas’ toll payment system, to set up their accounts and order a free KTAG for use on 69Express and all other Kansas toll facilities, as well as on compatible systems in Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida.
69Express was funded by federal, state, and local sources and completed as part of Kansas’ IKE Program. Additional project information is available on the 69Express project website, www.69express.org.
Guests should enter through the main east doors; the meeting room is located down the hallway on the right.
We hope to see you there!
Chamber members and the community are invited to attend a Capitol Update Over Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, February 28th, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
The event will take place at Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI), 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., in the McAuley Center. Guests should enter through the main east doors; the meeting room is located down the hallway on the right. KRI will sponsor coffee and light refreshments provided by Common Ground Coffee Co. Tours of the KRI facility will be offered immediately following the event.
Kansas Senator Tim Shallenburger and State Representative Rick James are confirmed to attend. The legislators will provide an update on the current legislative session, share information about the committees on which they serve, and address questions and issues presented by attendees. Bryan Holt will serve as moderator for the event.
Events such as this reflect the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting commerce, building community, and promoting spirit throughout Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the surrounding area.
For more information, please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.
Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas
Kyle Kessler of Topeka
Colby Community College
Seth Macon Carter of Colby
Arlen Leiker of Colby
Community Care Network of Kansas
Neil Dean of Emporia
Aaron Dunkel of Topeka
Danielle Hallgren of Junction City
Renee Hively of Emporia
Robert Kraft of Salina
Teresa Lovelady of Wichita
Matthew Schmidt of Newton
Robert Stiles of Topeka
Competitive Carries Association
Daron Jamison of Kansas
Habitat for Humanity
Danielle Johnson of Wichita
Quang Nguyen of Wichita
Ann Patterson of Wichita
Valerie White of Wichita
Shawna Williams of Wichita
ITC Great Plains
Patrick Woods of Topeka
Johnson County Community College
Kate Allen of Overland Park
Chad Carroll of Olathe
Geoff Holton of Lenexa
Valerie Jennings of Shawnee
Tony Miksa of Overland Park
Greg Mitchell of Overland Park
Dawn Rattan of Shawnee
Kansas Agricultural Aviation Association
Rebecca Burns of Wichita
Steve Hitchcock of Lawrence
Kansas City Kansas Community College
Donald Ash of Kansas City
Linda Hoskins Sutton of Kansas City
Greg Mosier of Kansas City
Nathan Solano of Kansas City
Kansas City Regional Clean Cities
Djessicka Saintil of Kansas City
Garden City Community College
Merilyn Douglass of Garden City
Steve Douglass of Garden City
Ryan Ruda of Garden City
Shanda Smith of Garden City
Kansas Principals Association
Heath Henderson of El Dorado
Cara Ledy of Topeka
Eric Sacco of Clifton
Kurt Seiler of Independence
Kelly Whittaker of Ottawa
Main Street America
Casey Woods of Emporia
National Association of Student Financial Air Administrators
Lacey Ledwich of Wichita
Vanessa Rodriguez of Garden City
Patricia Runion of Manhattan
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Brien Darby of Kansas City
Jen Mayer of Salina
Kelsey Whitting of Salina
Salina Regional Health Center
Rob Freelove of Salina
Ashley Hutchinson of Concordia
Diane Mahoney of Olathe
Joel Phelps of Salina
Alan Wheat of Kansas City
SHAPE America
Jennifer Bechard of Kansas City
Michelle Grimes of Pittsburg
Kim Morrissey of Pittsburg
Special Olympics Kansas
Keith Hartner of Manhattan
John Lais of Mission
Connor Lee of Kansas City
Jacob Micka of Wichita
Susan Micka of Lawrence
Ryan Warren of Mission
Swope Health
Jeron Ravin of Kansas City
United Nations Foundation United to Beat Malaria
Gerald Briscoe of Gardner
Nipam Ravel of Overland Park
University of Kansas Engineering
Kyle Christian of Overland Park
Mary Rezac of Lawrence
February 17
Hello,
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Questioning NTSB Chair on Investigation into DCA Midair Collision
On Thursday, during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing, I questioned National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy following the conclusion of the NTSB’s year-long investigation into the deadly midair collision at Reagan National Airport (DCA) that claimed 67 lives on January 29, 2025. During the hearing, I questioned Chair Homendy about the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) lack of a standardized definition for near misses, the circumstances that kept the safety concerns of air traffic controllers and other FAA employees from being relayed to FAA leadership and the status of aviation safety improvements near DCA since the collision.
In December, the Senate unanimously passed the ROTOR Act, which I introduced with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to improve aviation safety, particularly in congested airspace like that of DCA. The NTSB has again affirmed that passing and implementing the ROTOR Act would have saved lives on January 29. Congress must not delay in turning the recommendations of the NTSB’s investigation into action. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make certain that a tragedy like the January 29 midair collision never occurs again.
You can watch my opening remarks and questioning of NTSB Chair Homendy here and here.
Government Funding Update
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY2026 funding bill, which funds critical agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and federal law enforcement, advanced out of the Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support. This week, the full Senate failed to pass the bill, resulting in a partial lapse in funding. While the reconciliation bill enacted last year included supplemental resources to continue supporting some of DHS’s functions during a shutdown, the Senate must continue working in a bipartisan fashion to reach an agreement and restore full funding to the federal government as quickly as possible.
Questioning the Secretary of Commerce on Broadband Deployment
On Tuesday, I led a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies hearing with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to conduct oversight of the Department of Commerce’s broadband deployment efforts.
During the hearing, I questioned Secretary Lutnick on implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program by the Department of Commerce and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). I emphasized to Secretary Lutnick the importance of successfully delivering all of the resources authorized under the BEAD program to states in order to achieve the objective of the program: connecting unserved and underserved Americans to reliable internet service.
In December, I called on the NTIA to preserve the ability of states to use broadband infrastructure funds as intended by Congress, and I appreciated Secretary Lutnick’s commitment during the hearing to uphold congressional intent in implementing the BEAD program. I look forward to working with him and NTIA to make certain that Kansans and Americans receive the access to broadband promised by BEAD.
You can watch my opening remarks here, and questions for Secretary Lutnick here and here.
Leading Hearing to Review VA Community Care Network Modernization
This week, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) to discuss proposed changes to VA’s community care program. In December, VA issued a Request for Proposals for a new Community Care Network contract, which aims to improve the delivery of care in the community, increase competition and innovation and deliver higher quality care to veterans.
There are many things I find encouraging about how the VA is approaching these new contracts, including its focus on innovation, competition, accountability and addressing persistent challenges in the current community care program that I hear about from Kansans every day. However, these contracts must do more than look good on paper. Instead, they must deliver real results for veterans, VA staff, community care providers and taxpayers by leading to real, measurable improvements in access, choice, outcomes and costs. The conversation at this week’s hearing was productive, and I look forward to learning more about how the VA plans to utilize and implement these changes moving forward.
You can watch my opening remarks here. You can watch my questioning of the witnesses here and here.
Questioning Witnesses on Modernizing Broadcast Ownership Rules On Tuesday, during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing, I questioned representatives of the broadcast and news media industries about the importance of modernizing outdated Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations currently governing broadcast ownership. I discussed the complex regulatory framework that broadcasters must navigate to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape, including a rule preventing broadcasters from reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households.
Last May, I led my colleagues in encouraging FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to modernize outdated broadcast ownership rules to empower local news and broadcasters to compete with today’s multimedia giants. I urge the FCC to act to modernize these rules to better equip broadcasters to serve their communities, support local journalism and benefit the public interest.
You can watch my full questioning of the witnesses here.
Receiving Updates from NATO Allies Italian Ambassador to U.S.
This week, I met with the recently appointed Italian Ambassador to the United States, Marco Peronaci, to discuss the important role the U.S.-Italy relationship plays in advancing American interests abroad. Italy remains one of our closest allies in Europe and a critical partner in NATO, supporting regional security and economic cooperation. As the U.S. continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, including Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and the instability in the Middle East, strong coordination with allies like Italy is critical.
During our conversation, we discussed energy security, defense cooperation and the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic relationships. As a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the State Department, I remain committed to making certain our diplomatic missions are well-resourced and focused on advancing American security. Thank you to Ambassador Peronaci and his team for visiting my office and taking the time to learn more about Kansas.
Greek Ambassador to U.S.
On Monday, I met with Ambassador Antonis Alexandris, the new Greek Ambassador to the U.S. The transatlantic partnership between America and Greece is significant to preserving our nation’s security both at home and abroad. I thank Ambassador Alexandris for meeting with me and look forward to working together to bolster efforts to maintain peace and security in America and abroad.
Announcing Federal Support for Freeman Field Airport in Junction City On Friday, I visited Freeman Field in Junction City to announce that it is receiving $4 million in federal resources for safety improvements and repairs to the runway. The airport plays an important role in the Geary County community and economy, and I helped secure these resources for its safe operation for years to come.
Special thank you to Junction City Public Works Director Ray Ibarra, Junction City Mayor Terry Butler, City Clerk Ariana Lorenzo De Barreto, City Parks and Recreation Director Josh Gray, City Finance Director Jamel Wilcox, City Commissioner Pat Landes, City Attorney Britian Stites, City Assistant Police Chief Cory O’Dell, City IT Director Andrew Darrow, VP of Benesch Engineering Brad Waller, as well as Terry Heldstab and Richard Schmidt for joining me during my visit.
You can read more from the Manhattan Mercury here.
Good News: Food for Peace Provision Included in House Farm Bill On Friday, I was pleased to see the House Agriculture Committee’s draft Farm Bill text included legislation that I led with Representative Tracey Mann to permanently move administration of the Food for Peace program to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Rep. Mann and I introduced this bill last year, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to move this provision forward in the Senate. This move will help to reduce waste, support U.S. and Kansas agriculture and bolster the fight against world hunger.
Celebrating Presidents’ Day On Presidents’ Day, we recognize the service of our nation’s presidents. This year, I’m reflecting on the life and legacy of Kansas’ own President Dwight D. Eisenhower. His service to our country as a five-star general in the U.S. Army and as the 34th President exemplifies the best of Kansas and the United States of America. I encourage everyone in Kansas to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, and if you are visiting Washington, D.C., I recommend visiting the President Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial.
Monitoring Western Kansas Wildfires
Strong winds have created dangerous conditions across Kansas and fires are forcing evacuations in western Kansas. I’m tracking the current conditions and am in contact with local officials. Please stay updated on wildfire conditions through the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and local weather channels. Thank you to the first responders and all the Kansas emergency departments working to keep everyone safe.
Now Accepting Summer 2026 Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.
Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the Summer 2026 session are due Sunday, March 8. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence.
Now Accepting Summer 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Summer Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 22. You can learn more about the Senate Page program here.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
School Funding has been a long-standing important issue, and with the current formula set to expire, it will remain a key topic for this session and next. One issue that would be addressed by SB 387 is requiring income verification for the at-risk program that uses free or reduced lunch counts to calculate funding amounts. It addresses concerns raised in a nonpartisan Legislative Post Audit, which found that the free or reduced lunch count is overstating the poverty counts and funding. SB 387 would require income verification, with districts being reimbursed for accurate verification of costs. Parents not willing to answer income verification may not be eligible for reduced costs. Families already verified through programs like SNAP would be eligible without additional verification. The Legislative Post Audit (https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_government_efficiency_1/documents/testimony/20260128_01.pdf) confirms that the free lunch count no longer accurately reflects poverty levels in Kansas schools and recommends that the Legislature reconsider how at-risk funding is allocated. SB 387 addresses some of the concerns. It passed the Senate 22-18 and was sent to the House. I voted yes.
Victim Protection from convicted felons who committed serious crimes would increase if SB 358 is passed into law. SB 358 would require those felons be held in jail without bond until they are sentenced. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and was sent to the House.
K‑TRACS is Kansas’s prescription‑monitoring database. Under current law, only a narrowly defined group of users may access it, helping protect your prescription information. The Kansas Board of Pharmacy, however, is granted authority to broaden that access through the rules and regulations process. SB 322, introduced at the request of the Joint Committee on Rules and Regulations after hearing proposed expansion by the board, would strip the Board of that authority, keeping K‑TRACS limited to its present user class. The bill sailed through the Senate unanimously and awaits consideration in the House.
Golf Carts could be allowed on city sidewalks if SB 367 would become law and if local governments approve. There was debate about requiring carts only to go to and from a golf course, but it just makes sense to let the locals decide. They may want to allow people to drive a golf cart on a sidewalk to go to the store, church, or elsewhere in town. Current state law prohibits golf carts from being driven on sidewalks. It passed unanimously and was sent to the House.
Director of the Office of Early Childhood, lives in Missouri and has indicated she does not plan to relocate to Kansas while serving in the role. She was confirmed by a narrow vote, 21 to 19. Elected officials are required to reside in the district they represent, but apparently this appointment does not have to live in Kansas. It raises several concerns. This Director will shape policies that impact Kansans, so what happens when a personal, business, or financial conflict arises? Where will her primary allegiance be to Kansas or to her home state of Missouri? To top it off, some senators – who have expressed frustration over the lack of appointments from their regions – nonetheless defended this nomination and voted to confirm a Missouri resident. I voted no.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Topeka, KS – Senate President Ty Masterson issued the following statement in response to Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of SB 244, the bill strengthening and clarifying the Women’s Bill of Rights.
“I never thought I’d see the day when our state’s own governor would turn her back on women by forcing them to use bathrooms in public buildings with biological men. Sadly, our governor has decided she will side with they/them over simple, scientific truth,” Masterson said. “Kansans need not worry – the Kansas Senate will restore sanity, and override her veto.”
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Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson | 300 SW 10th St. 332-E | Topeka, KS 66612 US
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Friday vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 244.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 244:
“This poorly drafted bill will have numerous and significant consequences far beyond the intent to limit the right for trans people to use the appropriate bathroom.
“Under this bill:
“If your grandfather is in a nursing home in a shared room, as a granddaughter, you would not be able to visit him.
“If your wife is in a shared hospital room, as a husband, you would not be able to visit her.
“If your sister is living in a dorm at K-State, as a brother, you would not be able to visit her in her room.
“If you feel you have to accompany your nine-year-old daughter to the restroom at a sporting event, as a father, you would have to either enter the women’s restroom with her or let her use the restroom alone.
“I believe the Legislature should stay out of the business of telling Kansans how to go to the bathroom and instead stay focused on how to make life more affordable for Kansans.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Substitute for Senate Bill 244.”
Commerce Launches Two New Kansas Community Empowerment Grants
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of two new grant opportunities through the Kansas Community Empowerment (KCE) program. KCE, which is housed within the Quality Places Division at the Department of Commerce, supports locally driven projects that strengthen quality of place, volunteer engagement and long-term community vibrancy across Kansas.
Applications for the KCE Kickstart Grant and Impact Grant are now being accepted. For the first round of funding, the Kickstart Grant will have $40,000 available and the Impact Grant will have $30,000.
“While we bring opportunities and prosperity to all parts of our state, these new grants will specifically target rural and smaller communities across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether it’s helping a small volunteer-led initiative or funding a transformational placemaking project — these grants are designed to meet the needs of the communities while building their pride, momentum and lasting impact.”
The Kickstart Grant is designed to provide funding for smaller, community-driven projects that build capacity, engagement and momentum. The highlights of the Kickstart Grant include:
Awards ranging from $500 to $5,000
Ideal for short-term, highly visible projects such as community cleanups, engagement events or early-stage vibrancy initiatives
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through December 4, or until funds are depleted
The Impact Grant is designed to support larger, long-term investments that create permanent improvements to community assets. Highlights of the Impact Grant include:
Awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000
Eligible projects include public art installations, downtown improvements, park and recreation upgrades, community gardens, signage and other placemaking efforts
Applications will be accepted through March 31
Both grant opportunities require a 1:1 match, which may include in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours.
“Our community leaders and volunteers are the visionaries, voices and trailblazers of our state — they have the ideas, and they have the passion,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Because of these two new grant opportunities, awarded organizations will be able to bring what was once a vision to something tangible — and really embrace community vibrancy.”
The grants are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and funded in part by the Patterson Family Foundation, the Kansas Health Foundation, the Sunflower Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.
An informational webinar will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18. To register, sign up here.
Applications must be submitted through the Kansas Community Empowerment online application system, which can be found here.
For application details, eligibility requirements and webinar information, visit the Kansas Community Empowerment webpage here or contact Sara Bloom at [email protected] or (785) 506-9278.
About the Quality Places Division:
Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
Gamechangers & Champions Event to Feature Startup Pitch Competition, Networking
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce, in partnership with NXTUS, Inc. and KU Innovation Park, announced today it will host Gamechangers & Champions 2026: Bracket Bash for Innovators and Angels in March. The high-energy event will bring together startups and angel investors, along with corporate and innovation leaders from across the Midwest.
“In Kansas, startups and entrepreneurs fuel innovation and spur next-generation businesses that create the jobs and wealth of the future,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Events like Gamechangers & Champions are a great opportunity for them to connect with one another — and with investors — to discover resources that can help advance their ideas and companies.”
Gamechangers & Champions 2026 will take place Tuesday, March 10, at the University of Kansas Conference Center connected to the David Booth Memorial Football Stadium in Lawrence. The event is a one-day experience designed to catalyze new angel investments, support early-stage companies, and accelerate Kansas’ innovation momentum. It will feature educational sessions, networking opportunities, speaker presentations and the popular competitive pitch event.
The bracket-style pitch competition is open to Kansas-based, high-growth startups in the pre-seed or seed stage. Winning startups will be chosen at the event with the grand prize being $25,000, sponsored by the University of Kansas Business School. Those interested in participating can find applications here.
Key competition dates include:
February 15: Applications due by midnight
February 25: Round of 32 winners announced
March 4: Sweet 16 winners announced
March 10: Elite Eight live pitch and selection of Final Four takes place
Registration is open for Kansas entrepreneurs, angel investors, potential investors, innovation leaders, corporate partners and community members. Following the event, NXTUS, Accelerate Venture Partners and the OREAD Angel Group will coordinate follow-on investment opportunities.
“Last year, our first Gamechangers & Champions event was an incredible success — and brought many innovative Kansans together to collaborate and discover available startup resources,” Commerce Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer Romaine Redman said. “Regardless of the phase your startup may be in, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to investors and innovation leaders and hear other ideas from like-minded innovators.”
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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