C O M M U N I T Y
D E V E L O P M E N T
Home No Place Like
Community development programs and initiatives improve the quality of life across the state’s communities.
by S AVA N N A H K I N G
Trolly in Atchison, Kansas Photo courtesy Kansas Tourism
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KANSAS: TO THE STARS
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rom downtown and destination development to infrastructure and community investment programs, Kansas is actively working with its small and rural communities to improve the lives of Kansans and encourage economic prosperity. While the effects of the pandemic continue to linger in communities across the globe, small businesses and communities in Kansas have access to several programs that aim to bolster the state’s most charming and vibrant assets. Over the summer, Governor Laura Kelly announced the third round of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) awards, distributing nearly $4 million to 25 Kansas communities to promote business retention for small businesses affected by
the pandemic. CDBG-CV is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The two previous grant rounds in this category awarded cities and counties with projects pertaining to economic development and meal programs. “Kansas continues to experience record economic success, bringing in jobs and business investment at historic levels,” Governor Kelly said. “These grant funds will support that momentum by ensuring small Kansas businesses can maintain their workforce. We’ll continue to focus strategic investments that will create a stronger, more resilient economy to help Kansas businesses and families succeed.” MAIN STREET REBOOT Originally launched in 1985, Kansas Main Street has
