Tourism — which is about using the assets we have to bring new dollars into our state — is key to growing the Kansas economy. … Every new resident and business developer is first a visitor to our state. Kansas Tourism and local partners create a great first impression for all new arrivals. Working as a team, Tourism and dedicated partners inspire exploration and personify Kansas ideals and values, which all help visitors fall in love with Kansas.
Source: CJonline.com.

Many municipalities were in danger of financial ruin from sky-high natural gas bills after extreme cold temperatures swept through Kansas in February and caused rolling blackouts. The high prices were caused by the unprecedented demand for energy during the freezing weather, combined with the limited supply due to the freeze taking down critical energy infrastructure. State government itself also wasn’t spared, as the governor’s office early last week requested lawmakers go through the state budget to find money for higher energy costs it faced. ‘We’re spending a lot of dollars out of state general funds here on an emergency situation,’ said Rep. Sean Tarwater, R-Stillwell.
Source: Salina Journal.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) local relief funds that will go to cities should be released no later than May 10, 2021, creating a short amount of time for smaller cities to get ready to receive the funds. Cities, towns and villages with fewer than 50,000 residents, referred to in the law as nonentitlement units of local government, will receive their money as a pass through from the state. States will receive their money no later than May 10, and then states have 30 days to pass the money through cities, towns and villages with fewer than 50,000 residents. The law contains strong language that should prevent states from withholding funds to cities, towns and villages with less than 50,000 residents. Municipalities with fewer than 50,000 residents will need to obtain a DUNS number to meet the reporting requirements of the law. A DUNS number is a unique nine-character number used to identify an organization and is issued by Dun & Bradstreet. The federal government uses the DUNS number to track how federal money is allocated. Registering for a DUNS number is free of charge. If an entity does not have a valid DUNS number, please visit https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/ or call 1-866-705-5711 to begin the registration process.
Source: NLC.

A task force of Lawrence residents that has been reconsidering the city’s form of government has come out in favor of having a directly elected mayor. As part of its meeting Thursday evening, the City Government Study Task Force voted 7-0, with a few members absent, to recommend that the city consider changing to a directly elected mayor who serves a four-year term. Currently, the City Commission chooses one of its own members to serve a one-year term as mayor each year — by tradition, commissioners choose based on whoever received the most votes in the most recent election, though there have been exceptions.
Source: LJWorld.com.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.