Commerce Celebrates Community Development Block Grant Awards Across State

The Kansas Department of Commerce celebrated the success of the 2025 Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) this week by bringing together representatives from 50 Kansas communities, statewide grant administrators, legislators and members of the Kansas congressional delegation.

The event highlighted the impact of more than $22 million in CDBG funding awarded in 2025 to projects across Kansas, leveraging $28,846,991 in local and partner match funding to invest in rural development and local infrastructure. Combined, the projects represent a total investment of $50,920,498 in communities throughout the state.

Community leaders, grant administrators and state officials gathered in Topeka to celebrate the partnerships that make these projects possible and to recognize the local initiatives improving housing, infrastructure, parks, childcare facilities and public safety.

“These investments demonstrate the power of partnership between local communities, the State of Kansas and federal resources,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through CDBG, rural communities are able to tackle otherwise unaffordable projects that strengthen infrastructure, expand childcare, improve housing and enhance quality of life for Kansans.”

The celebration featured representatives from dozens of communities whose projects are already making an impact, including:

• Arkansas City – $300,000 Housing grant to rehabilitate five rental units and four owner-occupied homes and demolish two vacant blighted structures
• Carbondale – $650,000 Community Facilities grant to construct a multi-purpose sport court, toddler play area, lighting and sidewalks connecting residents to the city park
• Leon – $50,000 Community Facilities grant to replace two obsolete storm sirens with a modern unit located near City Hall to improve emergency notification
• Valley Falls – $650,000 CDBG investment supporting a $2.28 million total project to renew critical sanitary sewer infrastructure
• Coffey County (Lebo) – $683,332 grant toward an $820,000 total project to construct a new early childhood development center serving families in the region

These projects represent the broad impact of the CDBG program — from housing rehabilitation and public safety improvements to childcare access and essential infrastructure upgrades.

CDBG funds are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and are designed to assist rural communities with projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

The celebration also recognized the collaboration between local governments, professional grant administrators and state partners who help develop and implement projects that strengthen Kansas communities.

“As we celebrate these awardees, we also celebrate the communities and leaders who are investing in the future of rural Kansas,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “These projects demonstrate what is possible when communities work together to address local needs and create lasting impact.”

To view the complete list of awardees, click here. For more information about the Kansas CDBG program, click here.