**Summary of the JEDO Board Meeting (May 13, 2026) – City of Topeka, Kansas**
This was a regular joint meeting of the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board, involving leaders from the City of Topeka and Shawnee County focused on economic growth. The meeting was short, formal, and covered approvals, incentives, talent attraction, and updates on local initiatives.
### Key Agenda Items and Actions
- **Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call**: Standard opening with all voting members present (Commissioners Ripon, Maize, Cook; Mayor Duncan; Deputy Mayor Hoer; Council members Banks, Hiller).
- **Approval of Prior Minutes**: February 11, 2026 minutes were unanimously approved.
- **Incentive Agreement for Project Omega (Mellin Financial)**:
- Approved a **$1.43 million** performance-based incentive over 5 years.
- The existing financial services company (20+ years in Topeka) plans **175 new jobs** (wages $50K–$250K+).
- Projected 10-year economic impact: **$1.37 billion**; ROI ~39%.
- The project supports expansion and community engagement. A video message from company president Jared Florence emphasized Topeka’s workforce, partnerships with JEDO/GoTopeka, and long-term investment.
- Board members toured or noted the impressive new headquarters. Unanimously approved.
- **Choose Topeka 2.0 Talent Incentive Program**:
- Approved **$300,000** in funding (primarily carry-forward) for ~2 years of incentives + welcome programming.
- Program includes **employer match** incentives, “boomerang” (returning locals), and transitioning military support.
- Stats since 2023: 90 individuals/families helped (avg. salary ~$96K); 9 boomerangs + 4 military (avg. ~$85K).
- Enhancements: Welcome boxes (local products), new resident luncheons, expanded recruitment/onboarding (e.g., community tours, one-on-one leader meetings), and upgrade to **Career Coach** platform (formerly SkillFit) for resume/job matching ($50K subscription).
- Strong interest noted, boosted by media like a CBS Sunday Morning piece. Unanimously approved.
### Presentations and Updates
- **GoTopeka Q1 2026 Update** (led by staff including Ashley Layman): Covered project pipeline (including data centers), business attraction/retention, and ongoing efforts.
- **Young Professionals / Forge & Top City Interns** (Caleb): Highlighted the annual gala (young pro-led, focus on recognition/retention) and the free Top City Interns program (kicking off June 4, ~200 interns, employer-supported events to showcase Topeka).
- **Link Innovation Labs** (Stephanie Moran): Post-February opening updates — strong attendance/tours/events, 8 tenants (11/14 offices leased), new sponsors (including Hills Pet Nutrition), lab equipment/setup progress, and upcoming Plug and Play Expo (May 26–28) with networking, pitches, and investor connections. Focus on attracting lab/startup tenants in animal health, AI, etc.
The meeting ended with routine next steps and positive notes on economic momentum, job growth, talent attraction, and innovation infrastructure in the Topeka/Shawnee County area. No major controversies; all votes were unanimous.
The full video is a straightforward public meeting recording (under an hour) with some Q&A and procedural discussion.
