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4 | Page February 2 8 I ssueCommerce CDBG Program Awards Almost $3.5M for Economic Development ProjectsTOPEKA (2.25.2025) %u2013 Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $3.47 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support 12 housing rehabilitation and commercial revitalization projects across the state. When matched with more than $4.33 million in local contributions, the rolling round of CDBG funds brings the total investment to approximately $7.8 million.%u201cBy combining local investments with state and federal support, we%u2019re able to unlock further economic potential by improving housing and commercial spaces in communities throughout the Sunflower State,%u201d Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. %u201cThe Kelly-Toland administration is committed to ensuring our Kansas communities have the tools they need to be successful and prosper.%u201dThe 12 rehabilitation and revitalization projects highlighted the power of collaboration between local governments and the Kansas Department of Commerce to address critical community needs. The investments go beyond restoring and improving essential infrastructure %u2014 they foster new opportunities for business growth and housing stability throughout Kansas.A few highlights from the 2024 rolling round include:%u2022 The City of Emporia, Commercial Rehabilitation: Renovating commercial downtown building, including roof, gutter replacement, wall stabilization, floor enhancements, window upgrades and fire sprinkler line connections%u2022 The City of Neodesha, Commercial Rehabilitation: Revitalizing the historic Brown Hotel into a restaurant, entertainment venue, small office spaces and 12 new apartments%u2022 The City of Eureka, Housing Rehabilitation: Investing funds in repairs and upgrades for lowto-moderate-income households to create safe, livable spaces for current residents and increase community appeal for future newcomers%u2022 The City of Salina, Housing Rehabilitation: Providing needed structural repairs for 12-14 homeowners who could not otherwise afford to make themThe federal funds provided for these projects are administered by Commerce%u2019s CDBG program for the development of vibrant, viable communities that address their housing, public facilities and economic needs. To be selected for the funds, local government units must meet at least one of three program objectives:%u2022 The grant will benefit low- and moderate-income persons%u2022 The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight%u2022 The grant will resolve an urgent need that communities are not able to solve themselvesThe CDBG funds are one of the primary tools provided by Commerce that supports Kansas%u2019 small and predominantly rural communities. To view the 2024 awardees and projects, click here.