McPherson City Commission Summary
Week of June 3, 2026
Board of Public Utilities urges non-residential customers to limit peak energy use
Bids expected this month for Hickory Street construction
Avenue A phase three trail project set for 2027 construction
West Kansas Avenue project enters final design phase
McPherson sees $71 million in active capital investment pipeline
Grant program aims to attract out-of-state workers to McPherson
Manufacturing education program implementation delayed to 2027
McPherson Fire Department returns from 130,000-acre wildfire deployment
Board of Public Utilities urges non-residential customers to limit peak energy use
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The Board of Public Utilities reminded non-residential customers Tuesday that the peak energy season began June 1, setting the transmission and capacity charges for the remainder of the year. BPU representatives advised commercial customers to shift their electrical loads outside the hours of 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. during June, July and August to avoid peak times and secure long-term cost savings. In addition to utility rates, the BPU reported that crews are finalizing pole installations for an overhead electric project along 17th Street and continuing a water main replacement along Euclid Street between Ash and Main streets.
Bids expected this month for Hickory Street construction
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Public works officials announced that the Hickory Street reconstruction and drainage project has been sent out for bid, with contractor submissions due by June 18. Once a contractor is selected, the city aims to begin construction by late summer or early fall, depending on the winning bidder's availability and schedule.
Avenue A phase three trail project set for 2027 construction
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Design and planning for the third phase of the Avenue A trail project are advancing following recent approval of office check set drawings by the Kansas Department of Transportation. The city expects to solicit bids for the project in late fall or early winter, with trail construction tentatively scheduled to begin in the spring of 2027.
West Kansas Avenue project enters final design phase
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Surveying work for the upcoming West Kansas Avenue (U.S. Highway 56) project has been completed, allowing engineering firms to move forward with final design plans. According to the public works department, the city anticipates advertising for bids for the first phase of the street reconstruction project in the summer of 2027.
McPherson sees $71 million in active capital investment pipeline
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Industrial Development Company reported a strong economic outlook for the year, with approximately $71 million in capital investments and 50 new jobs currently in the active pipeline. Highlighting the growth, MIDC representatives noted Viega's publicly announced $14 million expansion, which is expected to create 110 new local jobs. After securing over $50 million in capital investments last year, the MIDC plans to shift its future focus toward workforce housing, child care, infrastructure and placemaking to remain economically competitive.
Grant program aims to attract out-of-state workers to McPherson
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The city is utilizing a "Home in the Heartland" grant from the Kansas State Treasurer's Office to help attract new residents and fill local manufacturing jobs. By partnering with the "Make My Move" platform, the McPherson Industrial Development Company tracks out-of-town applicants and provides relocation cash incentives, alongside soft incentives from the McPherson Chamber of Commerce and McPherson Main Street programs. While cash incentives are currently depleted for the year, the MIDC plans to reapply for the grant to continue funding the relocation packages.
Manufacturing education program implementation delayed to 2027
MCPHERSON, Kan. — A planned Society of Manufacturing Engineers PRIME program at McPherson High School has been delayed to the 2027 school year due to scheduling and administrative transitions within McPherson USD 418. The initiative, aimed at building a local manufacturing talent pipeline, has already secured over $250,000 in signed commitments, an additional $50,000 in verbal commitments and approved reserve funds from the city as a financial backstop. Despite the delay in full implementation, officials plan to begin aligning the school's curriculum with local industry needs this fall.
McPherson Fire Department returns from 130,000-acre wildfire deployment
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Fire Chief Chad Mayberry updated the city commission on the McPherson Fire Department's recent deployment to the massive 130,000-acre Meade Lake and Herman Ranch fire complexes spanning Clark and Meade counties. Under a state agreement, McPherson sent a brush truck, a command vehicle and a rotating crew of 13 firefighters to assist exhausted local responders over several days. The department successfully repaired a damaged vehicle in the field, and all personnel overtime and equipment costs will be fully reimbursed by the state.
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