MTAA TAPS CURTIS SNEDEN

To Serve As Inaugural Director Of Economic Development

In late June, the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority announced the hiring of Curtis Sneden as its inaugural Director of Economic Development. Sneden will bring a wealth of experience to the MTAA from his tenure as president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and a real estate attorney for Payless ShoeSource. During his time with the Chamber and Greater Topeka Partnership, Sneden provided invaluable strategic leadership, while working with community leaders to facilitate growth and economic development throughout Shawnee County. After joining the Chamber in September 2014, Sneden helped design and create the GTP and stepped into the role of Chamber President in 2019. Here’s what Partnership CEO Matt Pivarnik had to say of Sneden's transition: “While we’ll miss Curtis around the office, I’m grateful to see him remain on Team Topeka and know he’ll do incredible work in this new capacity to move the needle on some tough challenges. This is a decision Curtis hasn’t taken lightly. The skills he’s developed over the years as a chamber representative and business advocate in our community will no doubt prove invaluable in this new role. I look forward to collaborating with him in new ways for the betterment of all Topeka and Shawnee County.”

Common Consumption Areas

The legislature passed, and the governor has signed, legislation that empowers local officials to decide whether to close streets within Common Consumption Areas, designated areas in which responsible adults may legally carry an alcoholic beverage from one establishment to another. The law had required that all streets within the area be closed, but effective July 1, that decision will be in the hands of local officials. Local stakeholders are already in discussions to establish Topeka’s first Common Consumption Area.

Common Consumption Areas

Topeka Flag License Plate

Topekans renewing their vehicle registrations will soon be able to request a distinctive Topeka Flag License Plate and, for a small fee, show their Topeka pride wherever they go. The bill authorizing the Topeka license plate passed the 2023 legislature. The GTP and, in particular, Forge Young Talent are working with Kansas Department of Revenue officials to have the plate design ready for purchase as close to the law’s effective date as possible.