Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

KDOC: $2.1M through Jobs for the Future

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Kansas Joins National Effort to Expand Education and Workforce Pathways for Justice-Impacted Individuals

~The KDOC will receive up to $2.1M through Jobs for the Future initiative to increase access to education and training~

TOPEKA, Kansas. – The Kansas Department of Corrections has officially joined the inaugural cohort of Jobs for the Future’s (JFF) Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) State Action Networks, a new initiative to help states expand high-quality postsecondary education and workforce pathways for individuals with histories of incarceration. As one of four states selected for the initial cohort, leaders in Kansas will work with JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement to address barriers including discriminatory hiring practices and legal restrictions, that limit economic opportunities for many of the more than 70 million people in the United States with records of arrest, conviction, or incarceration.

“Kansas has long recognized the profound impact education and workforce programs have on our incarcerated population, and our state’s selection for the Fair Chance to Advance State Action Networks is true recognition of the strides we have made,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Connecting returning citizens to training, education, and employment opportunities sets them up for success upon their release and reduces recidivism. Our efforts are rooted in the core belief that when we invest in people, we create safer communities, a thriving workforce, and a stronger state for all.”

The launch of the State Action Networks represents the latest phase of the FC2A initiative, initially launched in 2024 with support from Ascendium Education Group. JFF selected Kansas from among more than 30 applicants based on Kansas’ existing efforts to expand economic mobility for individuals with records, a strong commitment to bringing together a range of leaders across state agencies, and clear articulation for how participation in the cohort will catalyze long-term change in the state. Kansas will use its cohort membership to formalize channels for collaboration among state leaders, strengthen reentry metrics, and expand employer engagement amid significant statewide job growth.

“We are excited to collaborate with the bipartisan, inter-agency leaders from across Kansas who are committed to strengthening the state’s workforce, supporting businesses, and creating pathways to quality jobs for learners with histories of incarceration,” said Rebecca Villarreal, Senior Director, Center for Justice & Economic Advancement at JFF. “As Kansas experiences significant economic growth and workforce demand, state leaders are showing interest in how fair chance employment can contribute to the state’s future. FC2A will work with partners to explore how education and employment during incarceration connect to emerging opportunities across the state.”

Over the next four years, Kansas along with Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon, will receive up to $2.1 million in funding and technical assistance valued at $1.8 million from JFF and the Coleridge Initiative, a nonprofit organization working with governments to ensure that data is more effectively used for public decision-making. States will gain access to a secure data-sharing platform to improve coordination between partner agencies and participate in a national learning network designed to accelerate reforms across corrections, postsecondary education, workforce development, and fair chance employment.

“States play a critical role in creating education and workforce systems that open doors to opportunity,” said Molly Lasagna, Senior Strategy Officer at Ascendium Education Group. “When leaders align policy, funding, and data around a shared commitment to economic mobility, they can build pathways that work for learners and employers alike—especially for individuals with histories of incarceration that have been traditionally excluded from those opportunities.”

Mathematica will serve as the third-party evaluator to document lessons learned and share insights with the field. Throughout the initiative, the FC2A State Action Networks will closely engage people with histories of incarceration as advisors and co-designers. An application to join Kansas’ five-person directly impacted advisory board is now open.

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 About Jobs for the Future

Jobs for the Future (JFF) transforms U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for all. We design innovative solutions, scale best practices, influence policy, and invest in system change to create pathways to advancement and economic mobility. jff.org

 About Kansas Department of Corrections

The Kansas Department of Corrections is the state agency managing Kansas’s prisons, focused on rehabilitating, training, educating, and preparing incarcerated individuals for reentry, offering programs like GEDs, CTE, college courses, and reentry support.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Unveils Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Wednesday her annual budget, which provides a path back to structural balance and continues to fully fund Kansas public schools. The budget also includes investments in Kansas’ water needs, early childhood, health care, public safety, and more. Governor Kelly was committed to reflecting Kansans’ priorities that she heard on ‘The People’s Budget’ statewide tour last fall.

“Last fall, I spoke directly with Kansans, who were clear about the priorities they wanted reflected in my budget: fully funded public schools, investments in health care, and action to address our water challenges,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My budget delivers on Kansans wishes while remaining balanced and ensuring that we protect Kansas’ fiscal foundation. This budget aligns with Kansans’ needs and is an investment in what a budget should focus on: the people of Kansas.”

The budget:

  • Fully funds Kansas’ public schools and increases funding for special education: Governor Kelly’s budget fully funds K-12 public schools for the eighth consecutive year and includes $50.6 million in additional funding for Special Education State Aid. If enacted by the Legislature, Governor Kelly would be the first governor in a generation to fully fund public education every year of their term.
  • Provides funding for free school meals for students currently on reduced-price meals: For the second year in a row, Governor Kelly’s proposal includes $2.5 million to eliminate co-pays for the 34,400 Kansas students who are already on reduced-price meals.
  • Prioritizes addressing Kansas’ water challenges: The governor’s budget includes resources to aid in long-term planning for water quality and quantity. Governor Kelly is again recommending fully funding the State Water Plan Fund, and the budget includes $2.3 million to improve water quality in the Equus Beds Aquifer, an additional $1.1 million for Water Planning and Project Development, and more than $870,000 in annual funding for aid to conservation districts.
  • Continues to invest in early childhood education and care: The Governor’s budget fully funds the Kansas Office of Early Childhood, providing the agency with the tools and resources needed to efficiently function in its first year. This includes operational funding for the agency to include salaries and wages, physical office infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and other implementation costs.
  • Expands funding for mental health services: Governor Kelly is delivering on her commitment to investing in mental and behavioral health services. The budget includes $30.9 million to fund the first year of operations for the South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital, addressing a critical need for more mental health beds. The Governor’s budget also includes $5 million to support six hospitals providing adult inpatient behavioral health services.
  • Invests in health care: To safeguard children’s access to critical health services, Governor Kelly’s budget includes $15 million to account for increased Children’s Health Insurance Caseloads. The Governor’s budget also aims to bolster the health care workforce by including funding for contract nursing at Larned State Hospital and Osawatomie State Hospital.
  • Fully funds the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy: The governor’s budget includes $8.6 million to fully fund the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy and equip current and prospective teachers with training and resources in modern literacy curriculum to ensure Kansas students have the support and tools necessary to improve their reading skills.
  • Supports Kansans with disabilities: Governor Kelly is committed to supporting Kansans with disabilities. The budget includes $12.6 million to fund the first year of the new Community Support Waiver and $10.1 million for the Technical Assistance Waiver.
  • Reflects Kansans’ priorities that Governor Kelly heard on ‘The People’s Budget’ tour: Several themes emerged during Governor Kelly’s conversations with Kansans on ‘The People’s Budget’ tour. In addition to the aforementioned investments, the Governor’s budget restores full funding for the State Library’s State Grants-in-Aid program, which provides public libraries across the state with resources. Governor Kelly’s budget also restores full funding for the Kansas Arts Commission, which is dedicated to promoting, supporting, and expanding Kansas’ creative industries and enriching communities through arts and culture. Funding for both programs was previously cut by the 2025 Legislature.
  • Bolsters Public Safety: The Governor’s budget recognizes the importance of public safety. It includes $26.8 million to relocate Kansas Highway Patrol troops to the new Dispatch Center in Salina, and $350,000 for Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to restructure law enforcement operations to strengthen public safety statewide. Governor Kelly’s budget also allocates $816,000 to renovate an existing building at the Topeka Correctional Facility for use as a nursery so incarcerated mothers can stay in the special unit with their babies if they have a projected release date within 18 months of the child’s birth and meet additional safety standards.
  • Increases State Employee Pay: Governor Kelly values the work of state employees and recognizes that to attract talented public servants, the State must remain competitive with the private sector. The Governor’s budget includes a 2.5% pay increase for qualifying state employees.

Governor Kelly’s full budget proposal can be found here.

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Government, Kansas

Turkey Hunting Season Begins in Kansas

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Application Period for Nonresident and Unit 4 Resident Turkey Permits Opens Jan. 13

TOPEKA – Kansas’ spring turkey season is just around the corner, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is encouraging hunters to apply for limited permits during the annual lottery application period, open January 13 through February 13, 2026.

Kansas is divided into six turkey management units. Turkey Management Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are open to Kansas residents and qualifying nonresident tenants through over-the-counter permit sales, while nonresidents must apply through a lottery draw for those units. Permits to hunt in Turkey Management Unit 4 in southwest Kansas are available exclusively through a lottery draw only to Kansas residents and nonresident landowners and tenants.

Unit 4 Resident and Resident-Tenant Draw Permits
Applications open Jan. 13 for the Unit 4 spring turkey draw, which is available only to Kansas residents and nonresident tenants. A total of 375 spring turkey permits are available for Unit 4, with 200 permits reserved for resident landowners and tenants and nonresident tenants of land within Unit 4. The remaining 175 permits are allocated to other Kansas residents who enter the draw.

Nonresident Permits
Nonresident hunters, except nonresident tenants, must obtain a permit through the lottery draw to hunt in Turkey Management Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6. Each application requires a non-refundable $12.50 application fee. Applicants who are successfully drawn will then also be charged the $75 turkey permit fee for a total cost of $87.50. A total of 9,700 spring turkey permits will be drawn for nonresident hunters in these units.

To apply:

  1. Visit gooutdoorskansas.gov between Jan. 13 and Feb. 13, 2026.
  2. Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits & Tags.”
  3. Create a new account or log in to an existing account.
  4. Select “Limited Draw Applications.”
  5. Follow the prompts to submit the application.

Applicants will be notified by email of their draw status in early March. Successful applicants will be charged the permit fee, while unsuccessful applicants will receive a preference point for future drawings. Applicants also may choose to purchase a preference point only during the application period rather than entering a draw.

The 2026 spring turkey archery season runs April 6–14, 2026, and the regular season runs April 15–May 31, 2026. Starting March 10, Kansas residents and qualifying nonresident tenants may purchase spring turkey permits for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6 over the counter or online.

For more on turkey hunting in Kansas — including season dates, management units and electronic permitting — visit ksoutdoors.gov/turkey.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

Spring Turkey Unit Map

2026 Kansas Spring Turkey Units
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release of USD2354 Board of Education Meeting on January 12

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                  

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, January 12, 2026

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

David Stewart welcomed new Board Members.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

12-08-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – December 20, 2025 – $1,831,678.21

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

 

Superintendent Destry Brown informed the Board on the new Tiger Academy. As of now there are five students enrolled and they are doing well. Mr. Brown reviewed the handbook and daily routine of the Academy.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield provided an update on the Preschool building, Wrestling Facility, and budget information.

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on testing scores over the last ten years. Staff was thanked for the improvement in results. There will be a Board planning meeting to be set up in February.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on state reports. The district scored 100% on the Indicator 12. Mrs. Barnes thanked the SPED staff for the hard work on these reports.

 

 

The Board approved the following:

  • Resolution 25-14 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2026
  • Resolution 25-15 To Establish Election of School Board Officers

 

Administration has updated and consolidated USD 234’s Human Resources Processes & Procedures to improve clarity, consistency, and fiscal stewardship related to staffing and hiring. The update formalizes vacancy review, centralizes HR coordination, and standardizes onboarding and exit procedures, while preserving existing board authority and hiring practices.

 

There were none present for public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

January 12, 2026

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Able, Andrew – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Speech Coach – Middle School

Black, Staci – Retirement – Business Teacher – Middle School – end of 2025-26 school year

Burton, Toni – Termination – Teacher’s Aide – Middle School

Dotson, Destiny – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Guss, Stewart – Retirement – Bus Driver

Harper, Amy – Resignation – Math Teacher – High School – end of 2025-26 school year

Lail, Brandon – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Robertson, Tom – Supplemental Resignation – Head Boys Golf Coach – High School

Shaw, Mike – Termination – Custodian – Eugene Ware

Young, Annie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Leave of Absence:

 

Engstrom, Lauren – Middle School – Jan 19 through April 7

 

TRANSFER:

Barnes, Jon – Supplemental – Assistant Boys Golf Coach to Head Boys Golf Coach – High School

Ruggero, Lucretia – Paraprofessional to ISS Supervisor – High School

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:

 

Harper, Melonie – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Ingraham, Elizabeth – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Lemcke, Hailey – Paraprofessional – High School

VanBuskirk, Don – Student Support – Middle School

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Collins, Clayton – Supplemental – Assistant Baseball Coach – High School

Nelson, Andrew – Supplemental – Academic Team – Winfield Scott

Ruggero, Lucretia – Supplemental – Assistant Debate & Forensics – High School

 

Government, Housing, Kansas

KS Dept. of Commerce Launching Initiative To Redevelop Vacant Buildings into Housing

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Commerce Seeking Support to Identify Vacant Buildings for Redevelopment

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Department of Commerce is launching an initiative to identify vacant, abandoned or underutilized buildings suitable for redevelopment into housing units. Local leaders, community organizations and property owners can assist in this effort by submitting information about buildings in their area that could be considered for conversion.

“Our communities are rich with structures that have strong bones and the potential for future use,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Connecting private developers to available vacant buildings is an easy way to address the prevalent housing crisis being felt throughout the country — while also preserving the architectural character and history of our Kansas communities.”

The Department of Commerce will compile submissions into a statewide list that will be shared with developers, contractors and housing partners seeking adaptive reuse opportunities. Examples of potential buildings include former schools, nursing homes, hospitals, churches, detention facilities — or other structures that might be vacant but well-positioned for conversion into residential units.

“Through this new effort, we’re able to help communities in a proactive way, attracting investments and meeting specific local housing needs,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce Matt Godinez said. “There are a lot of unique buildings that are full of history and even more potential — and what better way to activate these unique community assets than by turning these beloved buildings into new housing opportunities for Kansans?”

Communities and property owners interested in participating are encouraged to submit building or property details here.

For more information about the initiative, contact Kerri Falletti at [email protected].

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.

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.

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Government, Kansas

Kelly v. Kobach Will Be Heard January 16 in KS Supreme Court

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9 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026

 

Case No. 129,788: Governor Laura Kelly, in her Official Capacity v. Kansas Attorney General, Kris Kobach, in his Official Capacity

 

Original Action, Writ of Quo Warranto: The material facts are not in dispute. Governor Laura Kelly has requested that Attorney General Kris Kobach join several lawsuits she believes have merit challenging federal government action on behalf of the State of Kansas, and Kobach has refused because he believes the lawsuits lacked merit. Kelly then purported to join two federal lawsuits in her official capacity as Governor, attempting to seek relief on behalf of the State. Kobach responded by filing amicus briefs in those two cases arguing that under Kansas law only the Attorney General may sue on behalf of the State in federal court. Kelly has also expressed interest in seeking judicial review in federal district court of a SNAP Appeals Board decision. Kobach contends authority for bringing that action on behalf of the State rests solely with the Attorney General. Kelly filed this petition for writ of quo warranto action.

 

Issues under review are whether: 1) Kansas statutes vest the Attorney General with exclusive control of the State’s litigation in federal court; 2) the Governor has constitutional litigation authority as the “supreme executive” of Kansas; 3) the Attorney General lacks the power to prevent the Governor from participating in litigation; and 4) the Attorney General’s statutory authority to control the State’s litigation in federal court violates the Kansas Constitution.

Government, Kansas

KDCF Files Reply to Federal SNAP Data Request

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Kansas Files Response to USDA Appeals Board in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Data Request


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has filed a reply to the United State Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Appeals Board in response to the USDA’s demand that DCF turn over the private, legally protected, personal information of all Kansans and members of their households who have received, or applied for, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the last 5 years. The USDA’s data request includes provisions allowing for Kansans’ personal information—which includes Social Security numbers and dates of birth—to be shared with foreign governments.

“There’s no reason that Kansans’ personal, private data, including social security numbers, should be turned over to foreign governments,” said Will Lawrence, Governor Kelly’s Chief of Staff. “This demand is the epitome of federal government overreach, and a federal district court has already deemed this request to be likely unlawful. Governor Kelly and DCF remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding Kansans’ privacy and complying with the law.”

After the USDA rejected DCF’s Corrective Action Proposal in response to the data request in September 2025, DCF swiftly filed an appeal with the USDA. The filing of that appeal immediately prevented the USDA from withholding $10.4 million in administrative funding for SNAP. The State of Kansas has not lost any SNAP administrative funding, and the program continues to operate as usual. Kansas’ appeal with the USDA is ongoing.

DCF has complied with state and federal law at every stage of this process and has maintained the confidentiality of thousands of Kansans whose personal information would be at risk. Protection of this personally identifiable information is legally required by both the Food Nutrition Act (FNA) and the Kansas Cybersecurity Act (KCA).

A copy of Kansas’ reply brief in support of the appeal filed by DCF can be found here.

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Government

Eddy At 8th Street Will Be Closed Two to Three Weeks

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8th and Eddy Intersection will be closed for the next two-three weeks while City Crews work on the stormwater system in this area. Intersection will then be concreted. 8th Street will be closed from Crawford to Holbrook and from St. Mary’s road to 9th Street except for residents. Thank you,

 

Brad Matkin

City Manager

City of Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

620-223-0550 ext. 210

Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Legislative Update Jan. 12

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The second session of the 119th Congress is underway. This week, I joined in supporting the passage of the Affordable Homes Act (H.R. 5184), which would help communities build more homes and make homeownership more attainable for working families by eliminating redundant federal regulations that drive up housing costs for manufactured homes. The availability and affordability of housing for working families is a concern throughout our Second Congressional District, and steps like this can help with both. The House passed the bill, and I’m hopeful the Senate will follow suit.

The House also took another step toward finishing annual funding of the federal government by passing three more appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026: Commerce, Justice, and Science; Energy and Water; and, Interior and Environment. Together, the bills stop the continued increase in federal spending (actually reducing overall spending by about $2 billion) while also aligning more closely with President Trump’s priorities rather than President Biden’s. I am hopeful the Senate will approve these three bills next week, sending them to President Trump for his signature and enabling us to move on to the next several funding bills.

On Thursday, the House passed a 3-year extension of Obamacare COVID-era enhanced subsidies. I voted no. While I would be open to a reasonable compromise that temporarily extends enhanced subsidies while putting in place reforms that could help bring down healthcare costs for everybody – not just for people who buy insurance through the Obamacare exchange – extending these subsidies without reforms just kicks the can down the road. This bill already had been rejected by the Senate, so it stands little chance of becoming law. Perhaps the Senate can fashion a reasonable compromise; we will monitor what they do next. My goal is to take steps that can truly lower premiums and other healthcare costs and improve the quality of care for all Kansans, not just continue the same policies that have been in place while costs have soared.

Last week, the United States executed an arrest warrant for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In my view, the operation was a remarkable testament to the professionalism and dedication of the men and women involved. There is no doubt Maduro’s regime supported the drug trade poisoning Americans in our communities, welcomed American adversaries from around the world into our hemisphere, and contributed to the deadly chaos at our southern border in recent years. I am carefully monitoring the situation as the Trump Administration proceeds with post-Maduro engagement in Venezuela.
Constituent Services

My team stands ready to help Kansans in the Second Congressional District who are dealing with unresolved federal issues. This includes assistance with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, and other federal agencies.

 

If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency and need assistance, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.

 

It’s a tremendous honor to represent our Second Congressional District in Congress!

Derek Schmidt

Member of Congress

Washington D.C. Office
1223 Longworth

House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Topeka Office

3550 SW 5th St.

Suite B

Topeka, KS 66606

Pittsburg Office

402 North Broadway St.

Suite B

Pittsburg, KS  66762
Bourbon County, Business, Government, Kansas

Kansas SIGNS Program: Support Communities By Upgrading Business Storefronts

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New Grant Opportunities Available Through Revised SIGNS Program

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new round of Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant opportunities, building on the program’s inaugural year in 2025 with several updates designed to further increase foot traffic, strengthen business visibility, and drive sales in downtown commercial districts.

“Prominent and visually pleasing signage can have dramatic impact — helping people notice a business and get new customers through the door to make a purchase,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By re-establishing the SIGNS program, we’re doubling down on design quality, supporting local artists and driving further economic growth in small businesses throughout our downtown communities.”

The SIGNS program is designed to support communities by upgrading storefronts for multiple businesses at once, recognizing that clear, attractive and strategically designed signage plays a critical role in helping customers spend more money locally.

Updates to the program require communities to work with approved artists from the Kansas Arts Commission’s Roster of Artists to help strengthen the design process, support Kansas-based creatives, and ensure signage projects are both visually compelling and responsive to local character.

“Pairing businesses with professional artists and designers establishes a collaborative effort to create signage that not only looks better but also is more effective,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Well-designed signs capture attention, increase foot traffic and contribute to stronger and long-term business stability — which is crucial to companies of all sizes.”

A total of $125,000 is available statewide, with communities eligible to receive up to $25,000 per application. Each funded community must complete signage improvements on at least three separate retail or restaurant businesses as part of a coordinated district-level effort. Eligible expenses include design, fabrication, lighting, installation and artist fees.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, Main Street organizations, local Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, foundations and other non-profit or community-based entities. Businesses that are interested must be consumer-facing establishments located in qualifying downtown or walkable commercial districts.

The application period will close February 28, 2026, with award notifications expected in April 2026. An informational webinar for interested applicants will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15. To register for the webinar, visit here.

For more information about the SIGNS grant program, including updated guidelines and application materials, visit the webpage here. Interested parties can also contact Sara Bloom, Quality Places Director, at (785) 506-9278 or [email protected].

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.

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.

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