Cheyenne County economic development director outlines business and tourism growth, seeks 2027 budget and park grant

An economic development presenter provided Cheyenne County commissioners with the organization’s annual update and submitted a budget request for 2027.

The presenter said nine new businesses opened in the county this year and that staff assisted with 11 business loans that brought about $890,000 in investment. She reported that Cheyenne County’s 2024 visitor spending was roughly $2.4 million, which generated approximately $24,700 in state and local tax revenue for the county. Staff said they have brought in grant funds since 2024 (transcript figures were partially garbled in places), and that they are preparing an application for a $1.2 million park grant for a St. Francis Park renovation project.

On housing, staff said they purchased a property via tax sale that will be demolished and leveled to prepare for a new build; they also described ongoing negotiations to acquire another property intended for rental housing.

The presenter outlined partnerships and programs used for workforce and relocation incentives (Love Kansas and Make My Move) and cited local events that drove tourism, including the Thresher Show and Bike Across Kansas.

Commissioners were provided the 2027 budget request and asked to review it; no formal budget action was taken at the meeting.