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Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson announced $1.5 million in grants through the Home in the Heartland program, created by the Kansas Legislature in 2025 to boost local economies by attracting new residents.
The program tackles one of Kansas’ biggest challenges-declining populations in many towns that limit growth and economic stability. The grants give local leaders resources to design and implement their own recruitment strategies, ensuring solutions are tailored to community needs.
Funds can be used for relocation incentives, marketing, programming, and administration. Each grant includes specific goals for attracting new households and eligibility criteria such as income limits and out-of-state residency. To promote accountability, communities receive half of their funding upfront and the remainder after meeting half of their relocation goals.
Johnson said the program allows Kansas communities to take the lead, working with the Legislature to strengthen efforts to attract and retain residents.
The $1.5 million was awarded to the following communities:
Grant Recipients and Award Amounts
- City of Kingman – $76,800
- City of Neodesha – $40,000
- City of Parsons – $73,200
- Dodge City / Ford County Development – $211,374
- Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce – $167,362
- Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce – $225,000
- Lincoln County Economic Development – $53,340
- McPherson County Community Foundation – $72,000
- Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce – $145,600
- Choose Ottawa County – $73,156
- Riley County – $187,084
- Salina Area Chamber of Commerce – $175,084
