Kansas Commerce Earns Eight National Economic Development Awards

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce today announced the Department of Commerce has earned eight 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This marks another year of remarkable recognition for Kansas economic development initiatives, which included two gold awards, five silver awards and one bronze award.

Each of the awarded projects is a testament to the agency’s innovative approach to strengthening Kansas’ communities and businesses, creating conditions for long-term economic growth.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for the Department of Commerce and reflects the extraordinary work that is happening across our agency,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These awards recognize programs addressing some of the toughest challenges facing our communities — from housing and downtown revitalization to neighborhood development, community engagement and major business investment.”

The 2026 IEDC award-winning Department of Commerce projects include:

• Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) – Gold Award and Best in Show Nominee, Postsecondary Education Partnership category
• Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) – Gold Award, Innovative Economic Development category
• Towns Grant – Silver Award, Public-Private Partnership category
• Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) Grant – Silver Award, Real Estate Development and Reuse category
• Overhaul of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – Silver Award, Best Use of Federal Resources category
• Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) Grant – Silver Award, Neighborhood Development category
• Kansas Community Empowerment (KCE) Listening Tour – Bronze Award, Special Event category
• Merck Animal Health Expansion (Project Magenta) – Bronze Award, Business Retention and Expansion category

The awarded programs and events represent a broad range of economic development strategies. Together, these awards demonstrate how investments in housing, education, neighborhoods, historic properties, community capacity and local partnerships can strengthen the economic foundation of Kansas communities.

“The IEDC awards validate the idea that economic development happens in many different ways,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “When we talk about quality places, we are talking about communities where people want to live, where businesses want to invest and where families can build their futures. Investing in housing, neighborhoods, education and community leadership all have a part in that equation.”

FRAME also was selected as one of 15 programs nominated for the Best in Show award, recognizing transformative initiatives that have made a powerful, lasting impact on communities and regions. The Best in Show winner will be announced during the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans on October 25-28.

The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards program recognizes innovative economic development projects and programs from communities and organizations across the globe. The awards program has 26 categories showcasing transformative efforts that have made a significant impact on communities, regions and nations.