WKREDA Legislative Event Highlights Key Rural Priorities in Topeka

Joann Knight and Mollea Lightner attended the recent Western Kansas Rural Economic Development Alliance (WKREDA) legislative event in Topeka, where economic development leaders from across western Kansas gathered to engage directly with state legislators on critical issues impacting rural communities.

The event saw a strong turnout and provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful, one-on-one conversations with legislators. Key discussion topics included Moderate-Income Housing (MIH) grant funding, STAR Bond legislation, and data center-related legislation, all of which play an important role in supporting growth, infrastructure investment, and economic competitiveness in rural Kansas.

We emphasized the ongoing need for MIH grant funding to help communities address housing shortages that directly affect workforce attraction and retention. Conversations around STAR Bonds focused on their continued value as a redevelopment and tourism tool for Dodge City, while data center legislation discussions highlighted both the opportunities and infrastructure considerations associated with attracting large-scale investment to rural areas.

Legislators were engaged and receptive, asking thoughtful questions and showing interest in how these policies translate to real-world impacts at the local level. The productive dialogue reinforced the importance of maintaining a strong rural presence at the Statehouse and ensuring western Kansas priorities remain part of statewide policy conversations.

WKREDA’s legislative event once again demonstrated the power of collaboration and advocacy, providing a unified voice for rural economic development and strengthening relationships between local communities and state leaders.