News

A debate is underway in Barber County over whether to bring a Google data center to the area. On Monday, county commissioners heard from company representatives, the first time they appeared before the community, and a local resident opposing the proposal. Commissioners asked Google and Fino Advisors — a company helping to develop the plan on the ground — about potential costs and benefits to the land and residents of Barber County. They said the project could bring additional revenue to the area. Read more: KSN-TV

The City of Hutchinson has hired Scott Cooley as its new downtown revitalization manager. This role focuses on reviving the city’s downtown area through business support, redevelopment and the city’s Kansas Main Street program, which helps cities revitalize and preserve their downtowns. Cooley is basing his work on the 2024 master plan, which highlights housing, retail and dining as key priorities. Read more: KSN-TV

Kansas lawmakers are officially back in Topeka for a new legislative session, and they’ve got a calendar full of pressing issues they plan to address. The 2026 legislative session kicked off at the Kansas Capitol Building on Jan. 12. Both the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives convened for the first time, and lawmakers were welcomed back into the statehouse. “In many regards, it’s kind of like the first day of school after you’ve been gone for the entire summer,” said Kansas Senator Patrick Schmidt. However, for the rest of the week, lawmakers have a full list of hearings. Read more: [...]

Under the leadership of Fire Chief Chad Longstaff, the Topeka Fire Department is strengthening its connection with the community. On Jan. 6, Topeka Fire Station 4 opened its doors to neighbors, inviting residents inside for an open house. Community members received a firsthand look at where firefighters eat, work, and sleep during their 24-hour shifts, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into daily life at the station. Station 4 Chief Josh Domann said the event was about more than just a tour; it was about building relationships. Read more: KSNT 27 News

As Marion looks into privatizing trash service, questions remain. Nisly Brothers Inc. of Hutchinson, the trash contractor for Peabody and several other communities in Harvey County and others, approached Marion officials about privatizing a few weeks ago. Hillsboro and Marion hand trash pickups themselves. Read more: Marion County RECORD

City Attorney Blaine Finch was appointed interim city manager by the Ottawa commission, following Brian Silcott’s notice leaving the position. Finch has been a former city commissioner, worked as an attorney at the city and in many roles of the Kansas Legislature. He has worked at the Kansas Legislature and the city for over a decade. The vote was unanimous for Finch, with Commissioner Allen absent from the meeting. Read more: The Ottawa Herald

Data centers are anticipated to expand in the region since the state approved sales-tax exemptions and other incentives to attract large-scale data centers to Kansas last year. Sedgwick County commissioners approved a moratorium to halt new data center applications for zoning or construction permits in unincorporated parts of the county through April 17. The Harvey County Commission this week also approved a pause on data center development, but its moratorium is scheduled through the end of 2028 for unincorporated parts of the county. Read more: Wichita Business Journal

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Here’s how affordable housing grants currently work in Lawrence, in a nutshell: In the fall, developers say what projects they want to build. The city picks some it wants to fund. And it gives them sales tax money in the form of a grant. It’s a familiar process for the city and its Affordable Housing Advisory Board. But, as AHAB member Monte Soukup admits, “if we want to try to incentivize or get specific projects, then this process doesn’t really do a great job.” But what if AHAB could say what kind of housing it wanted and tell developers, “Bring me [...]

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.