Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Poorly Drafted Legislation

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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.”

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Launches Community Empowerment Program

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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.

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Business, Government, Kansas

Startups and Entrepreneurs Accelerate Kansas Innovations: March 10 Event

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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.

To purchase tickets for the event, visit here.

“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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Government, Kansas

KS House Bill 2347 Explained

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill to
Combat Crime, Bolster Public Safety


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Bill 2347 to strengthen public safety by amending and creating laws related specifically to crimes of theft, buying sexual relations, criminal use of a financial card, and unlawful use of a laser pointer.

“This bipartisan bill takes reasonable steps to ensure that Kansans are safe and that crime is being addressed in our communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Enhancing public safety is essential to building a Kansas where businesses and families want to put down roots.”

Under House Bill 2347, criminal penalties will increase for buying sexual relations, which includes increasing the minimum fine from $1,200 to $2,000 and implementing more stringent educational and treatment programs for offenders.

“House Bill 2347 ensures that Kansas law enforcement possess the tools necessary to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” said Senator Kenny Titus, District 18. “Enhanced penalties and enforcement tools contained in the bill will reduce the demand for human trafficking and allow for easier prosecution of scamsters using gift cards to take advantage of vulnerable Kansans.”

The bill also amends criminal use of a financial card to include gift cards when used to commit fraud or to inappropriately obtain money, goods, property, or services. Additionally, House Bill 2347 would make theft of a motor vehicle that is valued between $500 and $1,500 a severity level 10 nonperson felony.

“From addressing theft to cracking down on fraud, House Bill 2347 makes wide-ranging changes to combat crime in Kansas,” said Representative Dan Osman, District 48. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that will make Kansas communities safer.”

House Bill 2347 also creates the crime of unlawful use of a laser pointer when knowingly directing light at an on-duty law enforcement officer or an aircraft in flight. Anyone who commits the crime may be subject to assault or battery charges.

In addition to House Bill 2347, Governor Kelly also signed House Bill 2183, which codifies existing practice related to judicial deference to state agencies’ interpretation of rules and regulations.

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Jobs, Kansas

KS New Program To Help Inmates Re-enter Society

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SENT, Inc., the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas Department of Corrections Launch Community Health Worker Workforce Development Program

TOPEKA, Kansas. – SENT, Inc., in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) – specifically, Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF), and Kansas Correctional Industries (KCI), and Health Legacy and Restorative Pathways, is proud to announce the launch of a new Community Health Worker (CHW) Workforce Development Program.   This innovative initiative is designed to strengthen community health while creating meaningful employment pathways for individuals preparing to reenter society.

Through this partnership, individuals currently residing at TCF who have completed KDHE’s CHW certification program are now certified as paid SENT employees while completing onsite, hands-on job training in the CHW role. The program operates as a 7-month work-release internship, providing participants with real-world experience, professional accountability, and workforce readiness during the final phase of incarceration.

“Our top priority at the Kansas Department of Corrections is ensuring that individuals return to their communities with the tools necessary for long-term success,” said Secretary of the Kansas Department of Corrections Jeff Zmuda, “This partnership with SENT, Inc. and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is a model for effective reentry. By providing residents at the Topeka Correctional Facility with professional certification and real-world experience as Community Health Workers, we are not only strengthening the local healthcare workforce but also creating a proven pathway toward meaningful employment and a stable future.”

Health Legacy and Restorative Pathways has played a critical role in the success of the program by teaching the CHW coursework at TCF and coordinating required service-learning activities. These efforts ensure participants are able to fulfill KDHE certification requirements while gaining practical, community-based experience rooted in restorative and trauma-informed practices.

Participants work alongside SENT’s Community Wellness and Neighbor Advocacy teams, supporting neighbors through health resource navigation, benefits assistance, proactive case management, and connection to critical social and healthcare services. Their work directly strengthens access to care, reduces barriers to essential resources, and supports health equity across Shawnee County.

“By providing certification, on-site training, and connections to housing and healthcare, the program helps participants build careers and furthers equitable access to trusted, community-based care,” said Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Janet Stanek. “We’re proud to support a model that strengthens neighborhoods and creates opportunities for Kansas communities.”

Beyond job training, participants are connected to services and resources that include housing navigation, case management, employment readiness resources, and access to healthcare and counseling—all critical components for reducing recidivism and supporting long-term stability after release.

The program was launched with two CHWs, with plans to scale as funding and capacity allow. SENT and its partners view this initiative as a replicable model for combining public health workforce development with successful reentry strategies—strengthening both individual outcomes and community well-being.

“This program represents what is possible when workforce development, public health, and reentry efforts align,” said Jill Rice, Operations Director of SENT, Inc. “These Community Health Workers have earned their certification, are doing meaningful work, and are gaining the experience and stability needed to successfully transition into long-term employment. At the same time, our neighbors benefit from increased access to trusted, community-based health support.”

About SENT, Inc.

SENT, Inc. is grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Topeka, Kansas, dedicated to the holistic transformation of neighborhoods in Shawnee County. SENT intentionally walks beside neighbors through loving relationships and strategic development, with a focus on Community Wellness, Education, Housing Development, and Behavioral Health.

About the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) works to protect and improve the health and environment of all Kansans. KDHE’s work impacts the lives of Kansans every day through its three divisions: Public Health, Environment and Health Care Finance (Medicaid). The important tasks the agency performs range from health prevention and promotion, responding to public health emergencies, licensing hospitals and health care facilities to monitoring air and water quality and regulating landfills, as well as overseeing the state’s Medicaid program. For more information about KDHE, visit KDHE’s website.

About Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) and Kansas Correctional Industries (KCI)

Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) and Kansas Correctional Industries (KCI) operate under the auspices of the Kansas Department of Corrections to support the Department’s mission of investing in individuals, fostering an environment for change and well-being, and engaging with communities to enhance public safety.

Through KCI’s mission of providing supervised, productive, and meaningful work experiences, TCF and KCI support skill development, accountability, and successful reentry. This approach aligns with the Department’s vision of transforming lives by creating opportunities for personal and professional advancement, reducing recidivism, and easing the long-term demand for public resources.

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Government, Kansas

KS Total January Tax Collections Are $988.2 Million

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January Total Tax Collections at $988.2 Million; 1.2% Above Estimate


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends January 2026 with total tax collections at $988.2 million. That is $12.2 million, or 1.2%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 4.8% from January 2025.

“Over the past few years, the Legislature has spent more than Kansas has been taking in, creating a structural imbalance of hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My final budget puts Kansas on a path to rectify that unsustainable balance over time.”

Individual income tax collections were $542.3 million. That is $7.3 million, or 1.4% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 8.4% from January 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $86.2 million. That is $16.2 million, or 23.2% above the estimate, and up 18.1% from January 2025.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $337.8 million, which is $12.2 million, or 3.5% below the estimate, and down 3.2% from January 2025.

Click here to view the January 2026 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson
January 30, 2026
The third week of the session was very unusual.  It started with fast tracking House Substitute for Senate Bill (SB) 244 that requires every multi-person restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower in a public building to be designated for use by only one biological sex, with narrow exceptions for emergencies, maintenance, and children under 9.  It also redefines “gender” to mean biological sex at birth, renders any birth certificate or driver license gender marker issued before July 1, 2026, that conflicts with that definition invalid, and obliges the state to issue corrective notices and new documents.  Violations by governmental entities would attract civil penalties ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 per day, while individuals could face fines and misdemeanor charges.  It was frustrating to lawmakers who were concerned with the way the bill was worked.   The core grievance was that the legislature bypassed the usual committee hearings and moved the bill straight to the floor, leaving many feeling the process was rushed.  It passed both chambers with a supermajority and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.  The Senate voted 30 to 9.  I voted yes.
Illegal Aliens, a person who is unlawfully present in the United States, would be blocked from receiving state or local taxpayer funded benefits, including in-state tuition discounts at post-secondary schools. It also amends criminal procedure law to require immigration status verification for noncitizen defendants and creates a rebuttable presumption that an illegal alien is a flight risk when setting appearance bonds.  There was an attempt to remove the in-state tuition during floor debate.  The amendment failed.  SB 254 passed the Senate 30 to 9.  I voted yes.  The bill is on its way to the House.
Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day October 14, Mr. Kirk’s birthday, will be recognized each year as free speech day if SCR 1615 passes the House.  SCR 1615 also condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk and offers condolences to his family.  It urges the Governor to join the Legislature in marking the day and encourages Kansans to celebrate by exercising free speech and civil discourse.  I voted yes with a final vote in the Senate 30 to 8, sending it to the House.
Trafficking and sexual‑exploitation laws would be tightened, with all fines sent to the state victim assistance fund if CCR 2347 becomes law.  The measure would also expand the “criminal use of a financial card” to cover unauthorized, altered, or stolen gift card information by imposing steep penalties.  It also would make it unlawful to use a laser pointer to harm a person.  It passed the Senate 39 to 0 and the House 119 to 4.  It’s anticipated that the Governor will sign CCR 2347 into law.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bridge on Bourbon County road to be replaced

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Post Date:01/29/2026 9:00 AM From the KDOT Facebook page

Starting the week of Feb. 2, a portion of 60th Street in western Bourbon County will be closed for a bridge replacement project, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The project to replace the bridge 5.9 miles south of Uniontown and 1 mile west of K-3 will start Monday, Feb. 2, conditions permitting. This section of the gravel road will be closed throughout the project, which is expected to be completed by fall, conditions permitting.

The new bridge over the tributary of Hinton Creek will be 80 feet long and 24 feet wide. B&B Bridge Company LLC, of St. Paul, is the contractor for the $701,404.10 project.

Governor Laura Kelly and KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed announced $42.3 million in funding for this and 34 other bridge projects through the KDOT Off-System Bridge and the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement programs. The programs target improvements to city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement and repair.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.

Government, Kansas

Kansas 165th Birthday is Today

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Kansas Tourism Shares Video Campaign Celebrating Kansas’ 165th Birthday

TOPEKA – Today, January 29, Kansas is celebrating its 165th birthday. To mark this milestone, Kansas Tourism has released a new video showcasing all things Kansas — from iconic scenes to unexpected adventures. The video continues the annual tradition of bringing Kansas Day celebrations out of the classroom and onto social media — and beyond.

“At the ripe old age of 165, Kansas is a state full of unique experiences, beautiful scenery, incredible growth and tremendous charm,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This video isn’t just highlighting the many amazing things in Kansas — this is a way of honoring and sharing our state’s uniqueness with Kansans and others across the country and around the world. I encourage everyone to watch and share this special tribute to our state.”

On January 29, 1861, Kansas officially entered the Union as the 34th state, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Kansas Day, celebrated on January 29, provides an opportunity for Kansans to come together and honor the history and heritage that has shaped the Sunflower State. This celebration is an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Kansans throughout generations — from pioneers who settled the prairies to modern-day innovators driving the state’s incredible progress.

To watch the video, visit here.

“Kansas Day is the perfect day to celebrate our Sunflower State — and everything it represents,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Kansas is an incredible home, filled with world-class arts, unique history, authentic experiences, amazing attractions, and so much more. And this video celebrates all the things — big or small — that make this place so special.”

Kansans and non-Kansans are encouraged to join the movement by sharing videos on social media and making plans to vacation in Kansas, through the official Tourism webpage here. Kansas Tourism provides valuable resources to help plan a Kansas trip — including a free travel guide.

In addition to the video, Kansas Tourism is hosting a social media giveaway of 34 exclusive boxes filled with items from Kansas makers across the state. To learn more, visit the TravelKS Facebook page here.

Stay connected by following Kansas Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support. 

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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Government, Kansas

City of Mapleton Receives Community Block Development Grant for $202,600

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Commerce Awards Over $4 Million in CDBG Grants to Kansas Communities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that more than $4.1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding has been awarded for 12 projects across Kansas. The investments will strengthen infrastructure, housing and economic opportunities in rural and low- to moderate-income communities.

“Our small and rural communities are rich with talent, aspirations and opportunity,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in these projects through the CDBG program gives these communities the tools, resources, support and funding they need to address specific challenges and increase their ability to attract more visitors and residents.”

The 12 awardees will receive a total of $4,125,316 in federal funds, which was matched by $9,158,623 in local investments. The result was a combined total of $12,283,939 to be used for public improvements in communities across the state.

Projects awarded in this round:

  • City of Arkansas, $628,728 – Adding new playground equipment at Wilson Park
  • City of Burden, $300,000 – Rehabilitating nine homes and demolishing four dilapidated structures to address unsafe housing conditions
  • City of Centralia, $650,000 – Improving the sanitary sewer system, including manhole rehabilitation and lift station upgrades
  • City of Clifton, $160,000 – Installing a new playground surfacing and equipment
  • City of Holyrood, $300,000 – Rehabilitating eight homes and demolishing three dilapidated structures through a citywide housing program
  • City of Lyons, $650,000 – Upgrading the wastewater treatment plant, including monitoring system, lift stations, headworks, grit system, process basin improvements, motor center, press system, and electrical and site upgrades
  • City of Mapleton, $202,600 – Adding a 1,200-foot ADA walking path, parking area, ballfield lighting, fencing, bleachers, dugouts, bathroom improvements and new park amenities at Mapleton Park
  • City of Moscow, $51,525 – Installing an above-ground storm shelter in City Park that serves up to 50 people
  • City of Mulvane, $181,205 – Resolving ADA barriers in downtown business districts along Main Street and East Mulvane Street
  • City of Paola, $300,000 – Renovating a downtown building at 110 E. Peoria St., converting a former church into a wedding venue with exterior improvements and roof replacement
  • Dickinson County (Abilene), $298,000 – Improving exterior façade to the historic “post office block” at 109 NW 3rd Street, supporting new commercial rental space
  • Doniphan County, $403,258 – Improving courthouse accessibility, including new ADA-compliant ramp

“Through programs and funding opportunities like CDBG, we’re able to grow our support for small communities, creating sustainable solutions and growth in rural parts of Kansas,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “These awards are more than just providing financial resources to communities — it’s about making these places attractive, appealing and places where people are excited to live, work and play.”

The funded projects are tangible results of how CDBG dollars help communities support economic development and develop spaces that improve the lives of Kansans.

To learn more about the Community Development Block Grant program and view awardees, visit here.

About the Kansas CDBG Program:

The Kansas Community Development Block Grant program provides funding to cities and counties to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income Kansans. Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the program supports projects in housing, community facilities, and economic development.

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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Government, Kansas

KS Public Broadcasting Grant Announced

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Commerce Launches Grant to Promote Rural Opportunities in Kansas

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the WorKS: Public Broadcasting Grant. The new grant opportunity has $500,000 available for Kansas public broadcasting stations to produce original, educational content highlighting rural workforce opportunities, remote work readiness, and emerging technologies that are transforming how Kansans live and work in rural communities.

“We’re growing our workforce and bringing new technologies and opportunities to all parts of the state — with a special emphasis on our small, rural communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Part of that focus means creating opportunities for our public broadcasting stations to bring awareness to available tools and promote the innovation happening all across the state.”

Eligible applicants are licensed public broadcasting radio or television stations that serve Kansas communities.

The grant funding will support projects that create educational or documentary-style content that address one or more of the following themes:

  • Emerging technologies in rural economic development
  • Remote work readiness; or
  • Youth and the future of workforce in rural communities

The goal of this new initiative is to create at least one broadcast-quality program or series on television, radio or other digital format — accompanying digital content that can be shared online on podcasts, online series or social media shorts. Successful projects also will have a public engagement plan and be able to generate a brief impact summary after the program is released.

The WorKS program will be administered by the Office of Rural Prosperity at the Kansas Department of Commerce. The application window will be open until 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, with award announcements expected in April.

For interested parties, a virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 29. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be provided once registration is complete. To register, click here.

The Office of Rural Prosperity will host office hours from 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday from February 5 through March 19. To register for the office hours, sign up here.

For additional information about the WorKS Public Broadcasting Grant program, 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.

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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Business, Government, Kansas

Rural Kansas Downtown Revive and Thrive Grants Announced

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Commerce Launches Grant to Support Innovation, Incubator Spaces in Small Communities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the Downtown Revive & Thrive: Rehabilitation for Innovation and Incubator Spaces program. There is a total of $500,000 available in funding for Kansas communities with populations of 5,000 or less for projects that result in functional business incubator spaces or facilities designed for temporary retail or restaurant operations.

“Rural communities are hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship but often do not have enough financial resources to maximize their economic potential,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program will support the rehabilitation of spaces, especially in our state’s historic downtown buildings, for communities to activate underutilized assets and boost their local economies.”

Rural downtowns are experiencing an increase in vacant and underutilized properties, many of which are historic buildings in dire need of rehabilitation. At the same time, there is a strong demand for spaces that entrepreneurs can use to test products, develop commercial concepts and pilot new retail or restaurant ventures.

The program is designed to support projects that repurpose existing infrastructure to create spaces and provide equipment for pop-up retail and restaurants that drive economic growth and contribute vibrancy to communities.

The Revive & Thrive grant program is administered by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity at the Department of Commerce. The application window will be open until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10. Grant awards will be announced in April.

For those interested in applying for funding, a virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29. Registration is required and a Zoom link will be provided once registration is complete. To register, click here.

The Office of Rural Prosperity will host office hours from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. every Thursday, January 29 through March 5. To sign up, visit here.

For additional information about the Downtown Revive & Thrive program, 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.

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