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Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce has announced that the Department of Commerce has earned eight 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This marks another year of remarkable recognition for Kansas economic development initiatives, which included two gold awards, five silver awards and one bronze award.

Each of the awarded projects is a testament to the agency’s innovative approach to strengthening Kansas’ communities and businesses, creating conditions for long-term economic growth.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for the Department of Commerce and reflects the extraordinary work that is happening across our agency,” Toland said. “These awards recognize programs addressing some of the toughest challenges facing our communities — from housing and downtown revitalization to neighborhood development, community engagement and major business investment.”

The 2026 IEDC award-winning Department of Commerce projects include:

• Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) – Gold Award and Best in Show Nominee, Postsecondary Education Partnership category

• Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) – Gold Award, Innovative Economic Development category

• Towns Grant – Silver Award, Public-Private Partnership category

• Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) Grant – Silver Award, Real Estate Development and Reuse category

• Overhaul of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – Silver Award, Best Use of Federal Resources category

• Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) Grant – Silver Award, Neighborhood Development category

• Kansas Community Empowerment (KCE) Listening Tour – Bronze Award, Special Event category

• Merck Animal Health Expansion (Project Magenta) – Bronze Award, Business Retention and Expansion category

The awarded programs and events represent a broad range of economic development strategies. Together, these awards demonstrate how investments in housing, education, neighborhoods, historic properties, community capacity and local partnerships can strengthen the economic foundation of Kansas communities.

“The IEDC awards validate the idea that economic development happens in many different ways,” said Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez. “When we talk about quality places, we are talking about communities where people want to live, where businesses want to invest and where families can build their futures. Investing in housing, neighborhoods, education and community leadership all have a part in that equation.”

FRAME also was selected as one of 15 programs nominated for the Best in Show award, recognizing transformative initiatives that have made a powerful, lasting impact on communities and regions. The Best in Show winner will be announced during the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans on Oct. 25-28.

The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards program recognizes innovative economic development projects and programs from communities and organizations across the globe. The awards program has 26 categories showcasing transformative efforts that have made a significant impact on communities, regions and nations.

About the Quality Places Division

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.