G O V E R N O R
I N T E R V I E W
Kansas’
Record-Breaking Year Governor Laura Kelly announced the state’s second record-breaking year in a row.
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by S AVA N N A H K I N G
verything is better with a plan, especially economic development. Just ask Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who recently announced the state’s second record-breaking year in a row. Shortly after being elected in 2019, Gov. Kelly launched an aggressive and strategic economic development plan called Kansas Framework for Growth. The plan was the first of its kind in more than three decades and was created through data analysis and with input from Kansans statewide. Business and community leaders were engaged to offer suggestions and determine priorities for the Kansas economy, and through a virtual survey and town hall meetings across the state, thousands of Kansans came together to help create the final plan. That initial groundwork, before the pandemic began in 2020, laid the foundation for year-afteryear record-breaking growth. In December, Gov. Kelly announced Kansas topped $3.7 billion in new business dollars invested in Kansas this year — over $1 billion more than the previous record-breaking $2.5 billion secured in 2020 — making 2021 the most successful economic development year in Kansas history. We recently spoke with Gov. Kelly about the many factors behind Kansas’ record-breaking year.
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KANSAS: TO THE STARS
How would you describe the business climate in Kansas today? Gov. Kelly: Kansas is laser-focused on building on a foundation that drives robust, sustainable economic growth now and in the future. We continue to build on Kansas’ unique assets and strengths. Our state’s convenient central location is enhanced by our strong infrastructure and opportunities for worldclass schooling and training. Combined, these unrivaled advantages make Kansas the perfect place to put down roots. To further enhance our competitiveness, we recently passed all six pieces of major economic development legislation we proposed to improve the state’s long-term posture for growth. We also are coordinating efforts statewide to keep our talented students in our state, build a strong system to ensure the availability of highdemand, skilled workers and create a businessfriendly ecosystem where companies of all sizes can succeed. Recent economic development success stories prove our undeniable momentum is powering Kansas to be a national leader in manufacturing, bioscience, renewable energy, distribution and other key sectors.
