Eureka, Newton, Topeka And Valley Center Join Downtown Revitalization

By Noah Taborda, Kansas Reflector

April 12, 2022

TOPEKA — Eureka, Newton, Topeka and Valley Center are joining a state-run program focused on the revitalization and preservation of downtown districts across Kansas.

Initially launched in 1985, the Kansas Mainstreet Program has assisted dozens of communities to maintain predominantly rural downtown areas. Since 2019, the program has added 10 communities, bringing the total to 32.

Nearly $650,000 in grant dollars have gone toward building rehabilitation, entrepreneurial development, upper-floor housing and more.

“When our main street businesses succeed, our economy succeeds,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. “The program’s expansion is further proof of its success, and I’m pleased to welcome these four additional communities.”

The program was paused in 2012 by then-Gov. Sam Brownback, but Kelly restarted it in 2019. Kansas Main Street is an affiliate of the National Main Street Center, making it eligible for training and technical assistance to help downtown revitalization.

The program is a self-help technical assistance program administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce to help communities focus on organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring.

Heather Huntington Fuesz, Eureka Main Street director, said the program is critical for efforts to revitalize their main street.

“There are no big-box stores in Eureka, and we are 30 miles from another shopping district,” she said. “Revitalizing our Flint Hills community and growing a healthy Main Street District is critical to the success of our community and in creating a positive quality of life for our residents.”

Rhiannon Friedman, president of Downtown Topeka, said the initiative would help connect communities across the state.

“With training, vast resources and worthwhile educational tools, it also allows organizations like Downtown Topeka to keep a pulse on the many issues impacting main streets just like ours,” Friedman said.

The news comes the same day as Kelly recognized April 11-15 as National Community Development Week in Kansas.

The Democratic governor highlighted key programs under the Community Development Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce such as Kansas Main Street and community development block grants. Between 2019 and 2022, more than $52 million in funding was awarded to 160 communities.

Also noted was the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which Kelly credited with awarding more than 175 grants since 2019 totaling more than $1.25 million for promoting arts and culture in Kansas, and the controversial Rural Opportunity Zones program.

“Our Community Development team focuses on programs that create opportunities to expand, invest and bring businesses to Kansas,” said Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “By continuing to support community development efforts across our state, we can help set the stage for growth and prosperity that benefits Kansans for generations to come.”

This story was originally published by Kansas Reflector For more stories from the Kansas Reflector visit Kansas Reflector.