Manhattan local news summary

Commissioners amend 2025 budget amid strong sales tax revenue

Economic development report highlights growth without incentives

NBAF operational timeline clarified

Concern raised over traffic at Kimball and Tuttle Creek

Airport taxiway reconstruction expedited for federal funding

Tourism bureau reports 2.9 million visitors in 2025

Black Entrepreneurs group pursues cultural center renovation

Mayor proclaims 13th annual Festival of Lights

Commissioners amend 2025 budget amid strong sales tax revenue

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Manhattan city commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday to amend the 2025 city budget, adjusting six specific funds to align with forecasted expenditures. City staff reported that the sales tax fund is currently trending 5 percent above the 2024 year-to-date figures, prompting an amendment to increase the budgeted amount from $8.4 million to $9 million. This revenue surplus will help support the employee benefit fund and the Kansas Police and Fire fund. Additionally, the commission authorized a transfer of funds from the newly renamed industrial development fund to an economic development fund to allow for greater flexibility in utilization.

Economic development report highlights growth without incentives

MANHATTAN, Kan. - During the annual year-end report, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Jason Smith told commissioners that the city secured 10 business attraction projects in 2025, representing 421 jobs and $34 million in investment. Smith highlighted that only one of these 10 projects, PTMW, received direct local incentives such as tax abatements or job grants. Smith noted that the new construction from these projects is estimated to generate $600,000 in new property taxes annually starting in year one, exceeding the city’s annual investment in the chamber’s economic development programming.

NBAF operational timeline clarified

MANHATTAN, Kan. - During the economic development presentation, chamber representatives provided an update on the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). It was noted that the deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), during a recent visit to Manhattan, stated that the facility plans to be fully operational by the beginning of 2027. Local officials are continuing to coordinate with NBAF leadership to support the ramp-up of operations and the integration of incoming scientists and staff into the community.

Concern raised over traffic at Kimball and Tuttle Creek

MANHATTAN, Kan. - While approving the consent agenda, one commissioner raised concerns regarding the plat of the Happy Valley addition, located at the corner of Kimball Avenue and Tuttle Creek Boulevard. The site, formerly home to a liquor store and gas station, is being eyed for a new McDonald’s location. The commissioner noted that residents have expressed worry regarding traffic congestion at the busy intersection. City administration assured the commission that the public works department is aware of the situation and has prepared preliminary proposals to ameliorate traffic issues in the area.

Airport taxiway reconstruction expedited for federal funding

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Commissioners approved a $1.2 million professional services agreement with Olsson for the design of the Taxiway Alpha reconstruction project at Manhattan Regional Airport. Airport Director Brandon Keazer explained that the project timeline must be accelerated to meet a June 1, 2026, deadline to qualify for discretionary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding. By meeting this deadline, the city can capitalize on FAA reauthorization terms that allow for a 95 percent federal grant share, significantly reducing the local financial burden for the infrastructure improvements.

Tourism bureau reports 2.9 million visitors in 2025

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Marcia Rozell, director of Visit Manhattan, reported to the commission that the city has welcomed nearly 2.9 million visitors year-to-date in 2025, generating an estimated economic impact of over $12 million from conferences and sporting events alone. Rozell noted that transient guest tax revenue remains strong, supporting city amenities and marketing efforts. She also highlighted the return of the Kansas Livestock Association’s annual meeting to Manhattan for a third consecutive year in 2026, an event that brings approximately 1,000 attendees to the city.

Black Entrepreneurs group pursues cultural center renovation

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Sheila Ellis-Glasper, founding director of Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, updated the commission on the organization's capital campaign to renovate the historic Shepard Chapel. The building will be transformed into the Yuma Street Cultural Center for Entrepreneurship, History, and the Arts. With a groundbreaking slated for March 2026, the group has raised one-quarter of its $1.7 million goal. Ellis-Glasper stated the center will serve as an inclusive hub for economic mobility and will preserve a vital piece of local Black history.

Mayor proclaims 13th annual Festival of Lights

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The mayor issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 28 through Jan. 1, 2026, as the Festival of Lights season in Manhattan. The 13th annual event, held at Blue Earth Plaza near the Flint Hills Discovery Center, will hold its opening ceremony at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. The privately funded event features holiday light displays, the lighting of the holiday tree and various community activities.

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