Go Topeka Incentives for Economic Development

• Significant Customer Incentives Through Sales Tax
• Economic Development Incentives
• One Stop Assistance

Significant Customer Incentives Through Sales Tax

Topeka/Shawnee County recently passed a half cent sales tax to be used expressly for economic development related activities. The anticipated revenues from the sales tax will generate $100 million over a 12 year period, enabling Topeka/Shawnee County to be the most aggressive community in the Midwest in incentivizing job creation and investment. The community also hosts other incentive programs that will assist your company's move or expansion in Shawnee County. Topeka is poised for growth - let us help you achieve your highest goals for growth. Contact Kathy Moellenberndt or Jo Beilman at 785.234.2644 for more details as to how these incentives can significantly impact your business decision.

GO Topeka Economic Development Incentives

Topeka/Shawnee County will focus its efforts on primary employers who sell a high percentage of their products or services outside of our local trade area. The primary goal of economic development is to import more dollars into our economy than we export. By focusing on primary employers, we will grow the overall size of the economy with the spin off benefit of attracting other retail, service, and professional businesses competing for the newly increased disposable income generated by our growing economy. For more information, Contact Kathy Moellenberndt or Jo Beilman at 785.234.2644.

As you begin to review the guidelines below, they are just that, a guideline. GO Topeka reviews each project to determine the economic impact to Topeka/Shawnee County. GO Topeka stands ready to assist, and are more than happy to discuss your project in a confidential manner.

Primary Guidelines

1. Number of jobs
   The higher the quantity of jobs the higher the value to the community. There would be a higher value assigned to net new jobs with high consideration also given to retention of jobs that are sincerely in jeopardy of closure or relocation outside of our region.
2. Average pay of jobs
   Jobs that pay higher are of more value to the economy. Our target range for jobs are 80% or higher of the Shawnee County average wage (approximately $15.00 per hour). It should be noted that we are interested in total compensation inclusive of salary, bonus, and any incentive pay excluding benefits.
3. Dollar Amount of Capital Investment
   The higher the capital investment the more potential tax base exists for local government and a higher likelihood that the company will have a long term presence in the community. Is the capital investment in a building or equipment that is cost prohibitive to move? If the company is leasing facilities, is it a long-term lease? Is the real estate unique to the company's needs or can it be easily utilized by another company? What portion of the capital investment is personal property (machinery and equipment not subject to property tax) and what portion is real property (buildings and land) and would be subject to property tax?
4. Headquarters
   Is the project a corporate headquarters?
5. Supplier Spin off Benefit
   Is the company a type that would attract other companies who provide them supplies or raw materials? If it is a retention project, are there jobs/businesses that rely primarily on this business for a substantial portion of their income?
6. Labor Suitability
   Is local labor available with skills to fill positions or is training readily available? Are there laid off workers in the trade area looking for this type of employment?
7. Nature of business
   Is the product, equipment, process, or technology being utilized leading edge? What is the demand for the product for the long term?

Secondary Guidelines

1. Financial Risk
   Is the company a good financial risk? Is the company strong financially and does it have the financing or funding in place to do the project?
2. Retention Risk
   If the project is retention, what are the estimated odds that the company will close or leave?
3. Growth Potential
   What are the opportunities for employment growth and for future investment?

One Stop Assistance

As your business begins to explore an expansion, GO Topeka will work closely with representatives from your organization as they move throughout the entire project to ensure the project moves forward in order to meet your completion date. GO Topeka achieves this by establishing a preliminary plan review committee consisting of representatives from utility companies, planning, public works, fire marshal, city staff and others to review plans for your project.

This process works extremely well and has proven to be invaluable toward completing the project in a timely manner. For more information on how we can serve your needs, contact Kathy Moellenberndt or Jo Beilman at 785.234.2644.