Junction City Main Street asks Geary County to maintain $30,000 for downtown revitalization

Jordan McCann, executive director of Junction City Main Street, asked the Geary County commission to continue level funding of $30,000 for 2027, saying the nonprofit’s work leverages county dollars into larger public‑private investment in downtown Junction City.

"We are a 501(c)(3) district‑oriented community development nonprofit," McCann said, describing Main Street’s mission to preserve and revitalize the former central business district and its volunteer‑driven programming. He told commissioners the organization raised event sponsorships and in‑kind support and has about $33,000 in investor commitments earmarked for signature events.

McCann highlighted grants and awards that have supported downtown work, including a letter of interest to the Patterson Foundation for a possible three‑year, $300,000 beautification grant, a $50,000 T‑Mobile award and a $300,000 CDBG grant that helped a local brewery. He said public and private investment in the four‑block district exceeded $1 million and reported a county return‑on‑investment calculation of $19.40 for each county dollar invested in 2025.

Commissioners asked for clarification on how the funds are spent; McCann described current projects—cleaning and repairing historic wayfinding signs, micro‑façade grants to assist small businesses with low‑match improvements, a farmers market schedule and a 43‑page transformation strategy being finalized for 2027. He said the requested county allocation would cover operating expenses and downtown revitalization projects that, in the organization’s view, reduce the need for some county services by increasing local economic activity.

McCann also noted partnership work with the Flint Hills Regional Council and Network Kansas that supports business training and grant administration. He said Main Street expects to seek letters of support for future grant applications if the Patterson Foundation letter of interest advances.

The commission heard the presentation and asked follow‑up questions; no formal vote or decision was recorded in the transcript.