​Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK) Program

The Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK) program is a key state-level economic development incentive administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce. Enacted in 2009 under the Promoting Employment Across Kansas Act (K.S.A. 74-50,210 through 74-50,216), PEAK encourages companies to locate, relocate, or expand operations in Kansas by allowing them to retain or receive refunds of 95% of the Kansas payroll withholding taxes collected from qualified new employees. This effectively reduces the company's payroll tax burden for eligible jobs, providing significant cash flow benefits tied directly to job creation.Core Benefits

• Companies retain 95% of the state income tax withholding from qualifying employees' wages.
• Benefit duration varies by project scale:
  • Basic projects: Up to 7 years of savings.
  • High-impact projects (e.g., creating at least 100 new jobs within two years): Up to 10 years.
• The incentive is performance-based: Benefits are tied to meeting job creation, wage, and other commitments in a formal agreement. Clawbacks or adjustments apply if targets are not met.
• It applies to both new-to-Kansas companies and in-state expansions/retention in some cases.

Eligibility and RequirementsPEAK is discretionary and competitive. Qualified applicants include:

• For-profit entities with a qualifying NAICS code.
• Not-for-profit entities locating a new national or international headquarters in Kansas.
• Existing Kansas businesses, new startups, out-of-state businesses, or international companies.

General requirements:

• Create new jobs in Kansas resulting from location, relocation, or expansion.
• Meet minimum job creation thresholds within two years:
  • At least 10 new jobs in metropolitan areas (e.g., Shawnee, Douglas, Wyandotte, Johnson, Leavenworth, Sedgwick counties).
  • At least 5 new jobs in non-metropolitan areas.
• Jobs must pay at or above the county median wage (or industry-specific thresholds in some cases) where the facility is located.
• Offer adequate benefits (e.g., health insurance) and meet other program standards.
• Applications must be submitted before hiring PEAK-eligible employees and within 180 days of announcing the project to the Department of Commerce.

High-impact or larger projects may qualify for extended terms or enhanced benefits based on job numbers, investment levels, and economic impact.Application Process

• Applications are accepted year-round.
• Submit via the Kansas Department of Commerce (detailed guidelines and forms available on their site).
• If approved, the company enters into a formal agreement with the state.
• Ongoing quarterly reporting is required to verify eligibility (e.g., wage levels, job counts).
• Contact: James Newins, Program Manager (details on kansascommerce.gov).

Relevance to Topeka / Shawnee CountySince Shawnee County (home to Topeka) is classified as a metropolitan area, projects here need at least 10 new jobs to qualify for basic PEAK benefits. GO Topeka often layers PEAK with local JEDO incentives (e.g., cash grants, property tax exemptions) for a comprehensive package, as seen in recent approvals for companies like Security Benefit and Reser's Fine Foods. This combination helps attract high-wage jobs in sectors like financial services, food manufacturing, and logistics.Additional Notes

• PEAK complements other state programs like the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP) for investment tax credits.
• For the latest guidelines (including 2025 updates), withholding rates, application forms, and annual reports, visit the official page: kansascommerce.gov/program/business-incentives-and-services/peak.
• The program remains active and unchanged in core structure as of early 2026, with no major legislative overhauls noted recently.

If you're exploring PEAK for a specific project in Topeka (e.g., tied to Commerce Park or expansions), GO Topeka can assist in coordinating with the state for a customized incentive package. Let me know if you need more on how it integrates with local tools!

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Henry McClure 

Time kills deals

785-383-9994

www.henrymcclure.live

​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