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11 | Page April 4 I ssueCommerce Offers Funding Opportunities for Upper Floor Housing in Main Street CommunitiesTOPEKA (4.1.2025) %u2013 Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $250,000 is available under the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) grant program to support new upper-floor housing in commercial buildings in Designated Kansas Main Street communities.%u201cLast year%u2019s initial round of ROOMS funding resulted in 34 new housing units across the state and nearly $6 million in total investment,%u201d Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. %u201cAnother year of funding allows for us to continue breathing life into communities across this state and growing economic opportunities for generations to come.%u201dUpper-floor investments play an important role in addressing the affordable and quality housing shortage, which regularly is identified as a major issue throughout Kansas. Upper-floor housing enhances the overall livability and functionality of downtowns. It also can lead to increased investment, improved infrastructure, a positive cycle of economic growth, a stronger tax base, and a greater sense of place and community identity.%u201cThe Kansas Main Street program has worked to help communities build their capacity in developing upper-floor housing in downtown buildings,%u201d Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said. %u201cHousing in these historic buildings downtown helps generate excitement and vitality in the area while restoring buildings to maximize their full use. ROOMS grants help these types of projects become reality.%u201dROOMS funds will be available to applicants within active Designated Kansas Main Street communities for projects that can be shown to lead directly to housing creation or retention in upper floors of existing buildings in downtown areas. Projects must incorporate Main Street design standards and follow local ordinances and codes for improvements.More details about ROOMS can be found here. For more information about the Kansas Main Street program, click here.Governor Kelly Hosts Roundtable Focused on Post-Military Employment in KansasTOPEKA (4.2.2025) %u2013 Governor Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland recently participated in a roundtable surrounding the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program and the efforts taking place at Commerce to grow the workforce and elevate the Kansas economy.%u201cMilitary values are Kansas values,%u201d Governor Laura Kelly said. %u201cOur troops dedicate years of their lives serving our nation %u2014 and Kansas is committed to easing their transition back to civilian life by connecting them and their families to lucrative careers.%u201dAt the event, Commerce and DoD professionals discussed the importance of workforce resources specifically targeted to veterans seeking employment following their successful military service.