Dodge City Hosts 2025 KEDA Fall Conference

Dodge City took center stage September 23–24 as the host community for the 2025 Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) Fall Conference, welcoming professionals from across the state to discuss the future of growth and development in Kansas. This year’s event was co-sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce, continuing a strong partnership focused on advancing statewide economic opportunities.

The conference opened with remarks from KEDA President Mitch Robinson. Attendees participated in sessions covering site selection trends, legislative updates, AI applications, and infrastructure development—each designed to provide actionable insights for economic developers working in communities of all sizes.

Local expertise was a highlight throughout the agenda. On Monday, Joann Knight moderated the Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Panel, bringing together city leaders to discuss our state of the art water treatment plant. At the same time, Mollea Lightner led the Power of Housing Panel and Community Tour, highlighting Dodge City’s housing developments and the role local incentives play in addressing workforce challenges.

The following day, Lightner again represented Dodge City on the Creative Local Incentives Panel, joining peers from Manhattan, Topeka, and the Kansas Department of Commerce to showcase innovative tools communities are using to attract investment and support growth .

Beyond the sessions, the conference gave attendees a chance to experience Dodge City’s hospitality. The Monday evening reception at Boot Hill Distillery provided an opportunity for networking in a uniquely local setting, reinforcing the importance of community identity in economic development.

Media Contact:

Mollea Lightner

Assistant Director, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation

molleaw@dodgedev.org | 620-227-9501