JEDO approves $1.43 million incentive for financial services expansion

GO Topeka clarifies stance on withholding incentives for data centers

Lack of 4,000-acre megasites costs Topeka seven major business prospects

Board allocates $300,000 to continue Choose Topeka talent relocation program

Top City Interns program expands to 200 students to drive youth retention

Soaring construction costs project $10.9 million deficit for city road projects

Major Huntoon Street redesign slated for heavy construction in 2027

Rochester Road dubbed highly difficult amid right-of-way acquisition delays

JEDO approves $1.43 million incentive for financial services expansion

TOPEKA, Kan. — A $1.43 million performance-based incentive agreement was unanimously approved for a financial services company, previously shielded under a code name used during negotiations. The company, which has operated in Shawnee County for more than 20 years, plans to expand its local footprint and create 175 new jobs over the next five years. According to GO Topeka officials, the positions will pay between $50,000 and more than $250,000 annually, yielding an estimated $1.37 billion economic impact and a 39% return on investment over the next decade.

GO Topeka clarifies stance on withholding incentives for data centers

TOPEKA, Kan. — Despite receiving multiple inquiries for data center projects, GO Topeka officials clarified that the organization does not consider them eligible for local economic incentives. During a first-quarter update, GO Topeka reported that while three data centers remain in the business attraction pipeline, the organization will strictly act as a "connector and a communicator" between the developers and local entities. Officials noted that the primary hurdle for any data center moving forward is securing power capacity approvals from Evergy, the regional electric utility.

Lack of 4,000-acre megasites costs Topeka seven major business prospects

TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka and Shawnee County missed out on seven major economic development opportunities in the first quarter of 2026, primarily due to an inventory shortage of massive industrial sites. GO Topeka reported that they were unable to submit bids for several projects because prospects required more than 4,000 acres of available land. Other missed opportunities were attributed to a lack of existing buildings with sufficient ceiling heights and specific logistical needs, including rail access and closer proximity to the Kansas City metro area.

Board allocates $300,000 to continue Choose Topeka talent relocation program

TOPEKA, Kan. — A $300,000 allocation was authorized to fund the next two years of the Choose Topeka 2.0 talent attraction program. The package includes $230,000 to replenish relocation matching funds for new workers, returning "boomerangs" and transitioning military members, as the program's available balance had dwindled to $22,000. The remaining funds will cover $20,000 for new resident welcome packages and $50,000 to renew a two-year subscription to an online job-matching platform connecting out-of-town job seekers directly with local employers.

Top City Interns program expands to 200 students to drive youth retention

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Top City Interns program is gearing up for its June 4 launch with a record 200 participants, aiming to convince young professionals to permanently settle in the capital city. The free initiative, presented by Evergy and managed by the Forge Young Talent organization, connects college interns with local employers while exposing them to Topeka's civic and social events. Forge director Caleb Soliday noted the program operates alongside a broader effort to revamp the Topeka Youth Commission and adjust talent retention strategies to better appeal to Generation Z workers.

Soaring construction costs project $10.9 million deficit for city road projects

TOPEKA, Kan. — A countywide half-cent sales tax program intended to fund regional infrastructure faces a projected $10.9 million deficit on the city's side due to severe inflation. City of Topeka Public Works Director Jason Tryon reported that while sales tax revenues are tracking 15% higher than initial projections, construction costs have skyrocketed by roughly 35%. The shortfall will eventually force policymakers to make difficult decisions regarding whether to reduce the scope of planned infrastructure projects, scale back designs or subsidize the roadwork through alternative funding sources.

Major Huntoon Street redesign slated for heavy construction in 2027

TOPEKA, Kan. — Commuters along Huntoon Street can expect significant roadwork as utility relocations pave the way for a massive reconstruction project between Gage Boulevard and Harrison Street. Funded by the countywide half-cent sales tax, heavy construction will begin on the east side of the project in 2027 and move westward. The final design will feature lane reductions similar to the 12th Street project, coupled with upgraded lighting, new pedestrian infrastructure and shared-use paths.

Rochester Road dubbed highly difficult amid right-of-way acquisition delays

TOPEKA, Kan. — Shawnee County Public Works Director Curt Niehaus characterized the upcoming Rochester Road reconstruction as a highly difficult endeavor due to the daunting task of acquiring approximately 145 right-of-way parcels. The project, which stretches from the retail complex north of U.S. Highway 24 to Seaman High School at Northwest 50th Street, is currently in the design phase. The director noted the county is competing directly with the city for a limited pool of local real estate acquisition contractors, which will delay utility clearing and push actual road construction to 2029 through 2031.

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