Topeka Relocation Guide 2009

Quarter 2008). Topeka has one of the most affordable housing markets in the nation. The ACCRA index for Topeka housing is 78. The Coldwell Banker® Home Price Comparison Index (HPCI) reported in September 2008 that Topeka ranked as the 11th most affordable housing market in the nation. Topeka/Shawnee County also offers a wealth of wonderful recreation and cultural facilities that exceed or are equal to communities much larger. Making the Most of Community Assets True to its pioneering spirit, Topeka/ Shawnee County faces these turbulent economic times with tenacity, courage and a progressive vision. As increasing energy costs and the financial crisis bring unprecedented challenges to individuals, families and businesses, new economic development opportunities emerge. Entirely new industries, such as alternative energy, will create avenues to economic growth and prosperity. Topeka and Shawnee County, more than ever, are aggressively pursuing new economic sectors, while continuing to support its existing businesses. The best protection against the ebbs and flows of business cycles is to create primary jobs (jobs that bring income into the community from outside of the area) and build an even more diverse local economy. GO Topeka pursues companies that are a good fit for the community’s resources and that bring new wealth into the area. GO Topeka’s goal is to target 1,000 company leads and then nurture 100 companies that have a high interest in locating to this community. The community also has a strong system of entrepreneurial development and will support the creation of “homegrown” businesses. The Chamber/GO Topeka collaborates with Washburn University’s Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) and SCORE (Counselors to America’s Small Business) volunteers to tailor services for each aspiring entrepreneur’s or existing business’ needs. These three entities provide one-on-one counseling, entrepreneurial training, business seminars and financial counseling to small, woman-owned and minority-owned businesses. Most services are free of charge. investment from the 48 companies helped by GO Topeka. Exciting Times Ahead – A Vision for Topeka’s Future Committed to continuing success, the citizens of Topeka/Shawnee County have recently approved a visioning plan. Last year, opinions were sought from throughout the community to determine the future of Topeka/Shawnee County. Public input indicated overwhelming support for revitalizing the community’s core – downtown, the riverfront and North Topeka’s business center. Proponents say revitalization will greatly enhance the area’s quality of life and, in turn, will help retain young people and attract a highly skilled workforce. As the master plan is implemented over the next 15 years or so, the community’s collective vision will give Topeka/Shawnee County a sense of direction. The Heartland Visioning process has led the citizens of Topeka/Shawnee County to a common mission to build a better and stronger community. And building a better and stronger community is what economic development is all about. “In tough national and global economic times like this, Topeka is fortunate that all of our economic eggs are not in one basket. Topeka has strategically recruited or grown a wide variety of employers, including myriad small business entrepreneurs and others including state government, health care, finance/insurance, manufacturing, distribution, printing and food processing. The diversity of these employers helps shield the Topeka area economy from the potential impact of the economic slowdown but cannot totally insulate the community from its impact entirely. Some sectors will be down, while others will be up,” says Steve Jenkins, senior vice president economic development for GO Topeka. “Our goal is to continue to diversify the employment base of Topeka/Shawnee County so that one category of business feeling a pinch will not devastate our local economy.” Economic Development Sales Tax Initiative To support Topeka/Shawnee County’s economic development efforts, a local option sales tax is in force through 2016. Each year, $5 million is earmarked for economic development-related activities and all additional funds, estimated at $9 million each year, are used for local roads and bridges. Thanks to the taxpayers of Topeka/Shawnee County, the sales tax initiative is proving to be an excellent investment. Since it was first enacted in 2002, the initiative has resulted in over 3,000 new jobs, close to 2,800 retained jobs and $471 million in capital Topeka skyline looking south Topek a Reloc at ion Gu ide 20 09 5

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Topeka Relocation Guide 2009

Topeka Relocation Guide 2009 Contents Topeka's Pioneering Spirit Prevails During Turbulent Economic Times The Topeka & Shawnee County Library is "Your" Place Topeka Arts Community Grows Through ARTSConnect Topeka Bragging Rights History of Topeka Choosing Topeka Little Know Facts About Topeka 15 Things to Experience in Topeka What's a Young Professional to Do? Topeka in Profile Transportation Lodging Brick Oven: American Cuisine with a Multi-Cultural Twist Great Overland Station: Rich History, Elegant Architecture Religious Organizations Libraries, Shopping and Child Care Referral Housing Income Demographics Business and Industry Topeka MSA Employment Education Higher Education Opportunities Healthcare Local Transportation Taking Care of Pets Utilities Cultural Activities Trails Festivals Attractions Important Numbers Community Information Sources Licensing Agencies Employment Agencies

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