Información sobre la solicitud
The BLOCK application period is from September 11, 2026 to September 30, 2026. Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m.
Complete the application below.
The Building Local Opportunity through Coordinated Kansas-Investment (BLOCK) Program is a competitive placemaking initiative designed to create a dramatic, highly visible transformation of one Kansas downtown block through coordinated public and private investment. BLOCK will provide up to $500,000 to one eligible community to bring multiple properties, projects, partners and investments together around a single block-level transformation. While exterior improvements are expected to be the primary focus, strategic interior improvements may also be eligible when they contribute to the overall transformation and can be completed within the required timeline. The winning community will be expected to move quickly, make big changes, create a visible “wow” factor and demonstrate how the investment will contribute to long-term economic impact.
In 2026, $500,000 is available. The maximum award for a project is $500,000. Commerce anticipates a single award.
The purpose of BLOCK is to demonstrate what can happen when a community stops looking at downtown projects one building at a time and instead coordinates investment across an entire block. Inspired by the rapid, collaborative transformations popularized by “extreme makeover” programs, BLOCK brings community partners, property owners, businesses, contractors and resources together to create a visible, concentrated transformation in a short period of time. Communities will be expected to begin and finish all construction and rehabilitation efforts within a 14-day window. The program is intended to leverage existing, current and future public and private investments and other public and private resources to address deteriorated, vacant or underutilized properties; improve the appearance and functionality of downtown; support businesses and housing; strengthen community identity; and catalyze additional private investment. BLOCK is designed as a rapid implementation initiative. The award will be made in late September or early October 2026, and the funded transformation must be complete before December 15, 2026.
Goals
El Departamento de Comercio evaluará todas las propuestas en función de la necesidad del proyecto, la innovación, la capacidad del organismo, la planificación, el apoyo de la comunidad y la confianza en que el proyecto se lleve a cabo.
Las consideraciones clave incluyen:
The BLOCK application period is from September 11, 2026 to September 30, 2026.
The BLOCK application period is from September 11, 2026 to September 30, 2026. Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m.
Complete the application below.
Join Matt Godinez, Assistant Secretary and Sara Bloom, Director of Quality Places for an informational webinar to discuss the program, details, expectations, timeline and more. There will be time set aside for questions. Registration is required.
The application is located within Submittable which will require the applicant to create an account. Once an account is created, they can begin filling out the application. An application can be shared with multiple Submittable accounts. This means that one person can start the application and then can add contributors to help complete the required sections of the application.
BLOCK: The Building Local Opportunity through Coordinated Kansas-Investment Program, a competitive placemaking initiative designed to coordinate investment across an entire downtown block.
BLOCK Area: A single downtown block containing at least three structures identified by the applicant and approved by Kansas Commerce.
Transformation: A coordinated set of improvements that collectively creates a substantial and visible change in the appearance, functionality, activity or economic potential of the BLOCK area.
Eligible Applicant: A Kansas nonprofit organization, eligible unit of local government or Tribal Nation that meets all program requirements.
Nonprofit Organization: An organization organized and operating for purposes other than making a profit for its owners or members and recognized as tax-exempt under applicable federal law, where required.
Unit of Government: An eligible Kansas city, county or other governmental entity authorized to participate in the program.
Tribal Nation: A federally recognized Indian Tribe or Tribal Nation eligible to participate in state programs under applicable law.
Before submitting an application, applicants should be able to answer YES to each of the following questions:
Required for Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations: Screenshot Submission of Kansas Secretary of State Good Standing Status. You are not required to pay for a Certificate of Good Standing, a screenshot of the webpage listing for your organization will suffice. *Government entities do not need to submit this information.
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