Kansas Surpasses 50,000 Jobs Created and Retained Since Start of Kelly Administration

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that since she took office in January 2019, her administration has worked with private-sector businesses in creating and retaining more than 50,000 jobs in Kansas. This milestone continues the record-breaking economic development success the state has experienced under the Kelly Administration. 

The Kansas Department of Commerce, led by Secretary and Lieutenant Governor David Toland, has closed on 732 economic development projects representing more than $13.8 billion of investment that have created or retained 50,169 jobs across the state. 

“50,000 jobs represents 50,000 opportunities for Kansans across the state to achieve their dreams and provide greater futures for themselves and their families,” Governor Kelly said. “These job numbers, combined with the record-setting levels of new private-sector investment, have driven down our unemployment rates to historic lows while underscoring the strength of the Kansas economy – both now and into the future.” 

For back-to-back years, Kansas has attracted the most capital investment by businesses in state history. This has resulted in back-to-back prestigious Gold Shovel Awards for excellence in attracting high-value investment projects that create a significant number of new jobs in their communities. In addition, earlier this year, Kansas won the Governor’s Cup for being the state with the most economic development investment per capita in the country. 

“Kansas is winning the battle for coveted economic development projects and the new jobs that come with them,” Tracey Osborne Oltjen, President & CEO of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, said. “The recent awards our state has received from economic development professionals is sending a strong message around the country – Kansas is open for business!” 

Earlier this summer, Governor Kelly announced the largest private sector investment in Kansas history. Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion new electric vehicle battery facility in De Soto will employ 4,000 workers and create another 4,000 permanent jobs at suppliers and community businesses. Another 16,500 individuals will be hired for the construction phase. 

“Governor Kelly’s focus on economic development has created huge new opportunities for hard-working Kansans across our state,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “These next-generation companies and jobs represent the transformation that is currently underway across our economy. With all of us pulling in the same direction, we can unlock hidden potential and set the stage for a stronger, more resilient future for all who call the Sunflower State their home.”