Dodge City Commission Summary
Week of June 26, 2026
Commission approves Heritage District STAR bond expansion
Boutique hotel prompts 5-acre district expansion
Downtown revitalization to include projection mapping
Developers update city on casino entertainment district
Wave machine slated for Long Branch Lagoon
Organizers launch $1.4 million drive for motorsports museum
High-tech exhibits, simulators planned for motorsports museum
Motorsports museum targets May 2028 grand opening
Commission approves Heritage District STAR bond expansion
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The Dodge City Commission unanimously approved the ordinance amending the local Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond project district to pave the way for approximately $20.8 million in new bond proceeds. The amendment expands the Heritage District by 5 acres and outlines a financing plan to fund major tourism, entertainment and infrastructure projects downtown. The actual issuance of the bonds is expected to come before the commission in a separate ordinance within the next 30 to 45 days.
Boutique hotel prompts 5-acre district expansion
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The newly amended Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond Heritage District includes an additional 5 acres on its north side, specifically encapsulating The Marshal Boutique Hotel and corresponding Spruce Street improvements. Bill Crandall, a financial consultant with Copaken Brooks advising the city, noted the boutique hotel will be a major contributor to the district's tax revenues. A revenue study by the Kansas Department of Commerce projects the expanded area will generate about $5 million in new sales tax proceeds.
Downtown revitalization to include projection mapping
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The newly approved $20.8 million in Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond funding will finance significant facade and balcony improvements along Wyatt Earp Boulevard. In addition to ongoing streetscape work and new paving, the city plans to install projection mapping systems on the Boot Hill Museum and The Marshal Boutique Hotel to display large, rotating visual exhibits. The improvements also include an expansion of downtown medallions and the completion of a downtown gateway entry feature.
Developers update city on casino entertainment district
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Developers are moving forward with a proposed entertainment and retail district near the Boot Hill Casino, sharing updated site plans with city staff this week. Bill Crandall, a financial consultant with Copaken Brooks advising the city, reported that the developers are currently negotiating letters of intent with various entertainment operators, retailers and restaurants for pad sites. While binding contracts are required before Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds can be officially issued for this specific Power Center and entertainment area, letters of intent are expected within the next month.
Wave machine slated for Long Branch Lagoon
DODGE CITY, Kan. — A wave machine is planned for the southwest corner of the Long Branch Lagoon, funded by the expanded Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond district. Bill Crandall, a financial consultant with Copaken Brooks advising the city, said he believes the surfing simulator is a premier amenity that does not currently exist at this level anywhere else in the region. City officials anticipate the attraction will serve as a major regional draw and significantly increase tourism traffic to the water park.
Organizers launch $1.4 million drive for motorsports museum
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The newly formed Western Kansas Motorsports Museum has secured $800,000 and purchased a downtown building, with organizers now seeking an additional $1.4 million in private funds. The museum serves as a centerpiece of the city's Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond amendment. A board member presented the group's fundraising packet at the meeting, noting the organization is currently seeking sponsorships and offering naming rights for various exhibits to secure long-term funding.
High-tech exhibits, simulators planned for motorsports museum
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Designers are transforming the concept for the Western Kansas Motorsports Museum from a static car display into an interactive tourism destination. Working with a design firm, the museum will feature 12 exhibit areas, including a 4D theater simulating the sights, sounds and smells of a racetrack. Additional features include a simulator room for racing leagues, a working shop for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes and rotating collections highlighting the region's rich racing history.
Motorsports museum targets May 2028 grand opening
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The Western Kansas Motorsports Museum is targeting a May 2028 grand opening for its year-round facility. Organizers plan to issue a request for proposals for a design-build contractor in August 2026, with a selection expected in October 2026. The extensive renovation of the building will require all-new mechanical systems before organizers can begin moving exhibits into the space in March 2028.
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