​Topeka, Kansas (Shawnee County), offers a robust package of economic incentives through collaborative efforts between local entities like GO Topeka (the primary economic development organization under the Greater Topeka Partnership), the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO), the City of Topeka, and Shawnee County. These incentives aim to attract new businesses, support expansions, retain existing companies, create jobs, and promote inclusive growth in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, financial services, food processing, and more.

Funding SourceMost local incentives are funded by a half-cent countywide retailers' sales tax (originally a quarter-cent approved in 2003, increased to half-cent in 2005, and extended multiple times, including a 15-year renewal around 2015). This tax generates millions annually, with a portion dedicated to economic development (e.g., ~$5–14 million historically for incentives, roads, and infrastructure). JEDO administers these funds via an interlocal agreement between Shawnee County and the City of Topeka, established in 2001.Key Local Incentive Programs (via GO Topeka and JEDO)

• Performance-Based Incentives for Businesses
  GO Topeka provides tailored, performance-based packages (often cash grants, reimbursements, or tax abatements) tied to job creation, capital investment, and wages. These are negotiated case-by-case and approved by JEDO.
  Recent examples (2025):
  • Security Benefit (financial services): Up to incentives supporting 55 high-paying jobs (> $100,000 average), with projected $673 million economic impact over 10 years and 48% ROI.
  • Reser's Fine Foods (food manufacturing): Incentives worth ~$1.074 million for expansion creating 60 jobs ($50,000–$110,000 salaries), projected $458 million impact over 10 years and 40% ROI.
  • Other 2025 approvals: Up to $34.1 million total for two companies; smaller grants like $383,000 and $147,000 for unnamed manufacturers/retention projects.
    Historical successes include incentives for Target, Home Depot, Frito-Lay expansions, and others in Commerce Park.
• Economic Development Exemption Program (Shawnee County)
  Qualifying companies can apply for real and personal property tax exemptions for up to 10 years. The governing body determines the exemption percentage.
• Economic Mobility Funds Program
  Focuses on inclusive growth for underserved communities and entrepreneurs. Includes grants for professional business support, startup/growth assistance, and gap financing via programs like E-Community.
• Small Business Incentives
  Matching grants for employee training, skills upgrades, marketing, and other needs. Restrictions apply (e.g., cannot combine with traditional business incentives in some cases). Programs target 2nd-stage businesses and provide financial assistance with requirements like quotes or business plans.
• Choose Topeka Talent Recruitment Program
  A relocation incentive (pilot/extended multiple times, e.g., into 2021 and beyond) partnering with employers to attract talent.
  • Up to $15,000 total (employer match + GO Topeka/JEDO contribution) for homebuyers or up to $10,000 for renters.
  • Remote workers (for out-of-area employers) eligible for up to $10,000 (home purchase) or $5,000 (lease), tiered by salary.
  • Employer reimbursements (e.g., 50% match if employee retained >1 year).
    It has attracted workers and generated millions in economic impact.
• City of Topeka-Specific Tools
  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts — For redevelopment projects.
  • Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) — For infrastructure and improvements.

State-Level Incentives (Often Layered with Local)GO Topeka coordinates with Kansas Department of Commerce programs, including:

• Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK) — Retain 95% of payroll withholding taxes for qualified companies.
• High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP) — 10% corporate income tax credit on qualified investments.
• Training reimbursements (up to 50% of expenses, capped annually).
• Other tools like Economic Development Rider tariffs for utilities.

Application and OversightIncentives are competitive and performance-based (e.g., clawbacks if job/investment targets unmet). Companies work with GO Topeka for proposals, which JEDO reviews/approves quarterly. GO Topeka emphasizes sectors like food/ag manufacturing, financial services, logistics, and advanced industries, highlighting Topeka's low costs, transportation access, and workforce.For the most current details or to apply, visit gotopeka.com (incentives section) or jedoecodevo.com. Programs evolve based on economic needs, with recent focus on retention, high-wage jobs, and inclusive entrepreneurship.

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Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live