Kansas Surpasses 60,000 Jobs Created and Retained Since Start of Governor Kelly Administration

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that since she took office in January 2019, her administration has successfully collaborated with private sector businesses to create and retain more than 60,000 jobs in Kansas. This milestone continues the record-breaking economic development success the state has experienced under the Kelly administration.

“60,000 jobs represent 60,000 opportunities for Kansans in every corner of the state to provide better futures for themselves and their families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These job numbers are a testament to the work my administration has done to invest in the building blocks of our state’s economy: our public schools, strong roads and bridges, high-speed internet, and a modern workforce.”

This milestone represents more than $16.7 billion in private-sector investment comprising more than 940 announced projects that include both international corporations placing operations in the Sunflower State and Kansas companies choosing to expand right here at home.

The unprecedented surge in economic activity over the last several years has resulted in Kansas being awarded three consecutive Gold Shovel Awards from Area Development Magazine for its achievement in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs throughout the state, and two consecutive Governor’s Cups from Site Selection magazine for having the most capital investment per capita in the nation.

“Time and time again, the Kelly Administration has kept its promise of creating the best state in the nation to live, work and invest,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Keeping our kids and families in Kansas has always been the priority, and the momentum leading up to this milestone achievement shows that Governor Kelly’s approach is right on track.”

Nearly 90% of the jobs and investments attracted are in the targeted industry sectors outlined in the Kansas Framework for Growth, the state’s first comprehensive economic development plan in more than 30 years that Governor Kelly introduced in February 2021.