Dodge City Commission Summary
Week of September 22, 2026
City seeks $12.5 million grant for Wright Park transformation
Commission greenlights 14-foot bison statue
City commits $750,000 for Front Street facade 'extreme makeover'
20-year tax rebate approved for Marshal Hotel development
City agrees to share telecom relocation costs at hotel site
Public hearing set for Iron Flats 2 housing district
City seeks $12.5 million grant for Wright Park transformation
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The Dodge City Commission unanimously approved a resolution Monday to apply for a $12.5 million Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant to help fund the $25.7 million "Reimagining Wright Park" project. The initiative plans to introduce a "plazoo" combining nature play with animal exhibits, a destination playground, a splash pad, and pedestrian safety upgrades. To secure the funding, the city must provide a 50 percent match, which Parks and Recreation Director Daniel Cecil said would be funded through in-kind labor, outside donations, and municipal resources. If awarded, ground could be broken in 2028. During the meeting, city staff revealed Dodge City has committed nearly $1.2 million in comprehensive park design fees to LK Architecture, a Wichita, Kansas-based firm. Cecil stated the city has already spent an estimated $500,000 to $600,000 with the firm since 2018. Officials plan to leverage community fundraising, private donor pledges, and in-kind labor to help cover the remaining design costs and upcoming construction matches.
Commission greenlights 14-foot bison statue
DODGE CITY, Kan. — A 14-foot metal bison statue will soon call Dodge City home after commissioners approved a $76,500 agreement with the artist who created another Kansas roadside sculpture. The sculpture, funded through Sales Tax and Revenue bond revenues, will be constructed from quarter-inch steel and is designed to naturally patina over time without extensive maintenance. City Manager Nick Hernandez indicated the massive piece will be shipped in segments and requires on-site fabrication, with officials planning to install it in a future Wright Park roundabout.
City commits $750,000 for Front Street facade 'extreme makeover'
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Dodge City will seek a $500,000 Kansas Department of Commerce Building Local Opportunity through Coordinated Kansas Investment (BLOCK) grant to fund a rapid, two-week "extreme makeover" of downtown facades along Front Street. The city commission authorized $750,000 in matching Sales Tax and Revenue bond funds for the project, which aims to overhaul building exteriors between Central and First avenues between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, 2026. Assistant City Manager Melissa McCoy noted the city is working closely with historic preservation officials and property owners, who would be required to reimburse the city if they sell their properties shortly after the publicly funded upgrades.
20-year tax rebate approved for Marshal Hotel development
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Developers of the historic Marshal Hotel project in the former First National Bank building will receive a 95 percent property tax rebate over the next 20 years. The city commission approved the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan rebate for developer New West Hotels LLC, a subsidiary of Noble Hospitality, a standard incentive for local projects exceeding $6 million in value. City officials emphasized that the 55-room hotel is a vital anchor for downtown revitalization and is projected to generate crucial sales tax revenues to offset the property tax abatement and help fund surrounding infrastructure improvements.
City agrees to share telecom relocation costs at hotel site
DODGE CITY, Kan. — To facilitate the Marshal Hotel redevelopment, the city will contribute up to $100,000 to relocate AT&T and Verizon telecommunications equipment currently housed in the historic First National Bank building. Under the amended development agreement, the city will fully fund the first $100,000 of the move — temporarily shifting the hardware to the basement vault and rooftop — and split any additional relocation costs evenly with developer New West Hotels LLC. Officials expect AT&T to eventually move its equipment off the building entirely to a nearby tower.
Public hearing set for Iron Flats 2 housing district
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The city commission took initial steps to support a new residential development in northern Dodge City, unanimously scheduling a Nov. 2, 2026, public hearing to establish the Iron Flats 2 Reinvestment Housing Incentive District. The proposed district, spearheaded by developer Tim Volz of Volz Builders LLC, is expected to bring approximately 21 new homes to the community. Officials confirmed the district's development plan will also fund corresponding infrastructure improvements along 14th Avenue.
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