Hutchinson lands largest grant in state program to attract new residents

HUTCHINSON — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce has secured the largest share of a new state program designed to reverse population decline in Kansas communities.

State Treasurer Steven Johnson announced Friday that the chamber will receive $225,000 through the Home in the Heartland program, topping the $1.5 million distributed among 12 Kansas communities.

The legislative initiative, created in 2025, aims to bolster local economies by providing financial incentives for people to relocate to rural areas experiencing population loss.

The program awards grants up to $250,000 per community, with half the funding distributed upfront and the remainder released once communities reach 50 percent of their relocation goals. Participating communities must provide at least 20 percent local investment, either in cash or in-kind contributions.

"Working with the State Legislature, communities across Kansas are stepping up with their own resources and plans to address residential recruitment and retention issues," Johnson said.

The grant funds will support relocation incentives, marketing campaigns and administrative costs. Each participating community must establish goals for relocating households and meet income requirements for participants.

Dodge City/Ford County Development received the second-largest award at $211,374, followed by Riley County at $187,084.

Other recipients include Salina Area Chamber of Commerce ($175,084), Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce ($167,362), Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce ($145,600), Parsons ($73,200), Choose Ottawa County ($73,156), Kingman ($76,800), McPherson County Community Foundation ($72,000), Lincoln County Economic Development ($53,340) and Neodesha ($40,000).

State officials said many Kansas towns face population losses that threaten economic stability and limit growth potential.