Economic Development Information

In November 2012, the voters of Riley County renewed the 10-year 0.5% sales tax for Roads and Jobs. Due to the sales tax being a Riley County Tax, the City of Manhattan only receives 61 percent of the proceeds (approximately $3.1 million annually). By resolution, the City Commission has committed that 65% (approximately $2 million annually) of the proceeds to be available to continue the economic development investment strategy through traditional incentives as well as infrastructure projects, and 35% (approximately $1.1 million annually) for property tax relief through debt reduction.

Twenty percent (20%) of the Economic Recovery and Relief sales tax revenue, which passed on the November 3, 2020 election, estimated at $13 million over the 10 year period - will be dedicated to job creation. This will include recruitment, retention, and expansion of businesses in Manhattan.

graphic representing how eco devo sales tax funds have been used

Jobs

Since the inception of the 2002 sales tax over 1,600 jobs have been created in Manhattan, including businesses such as:

  • Bev-Hub (37 jobs)
  • GTM Sportswear (593 jobs)
  • CivicPlus (167 jobs)
  • Manhattan Area Technical College (383 workforce development grads staying in the region)
  • NBAF (350 Jobs)
  • Continental Mills (10 jobs)

Infrastructure

18 major infrastructure projects have been funded through the Economic Development Fund since 2002. These projects include necessary improvements including:

  • North Manhattan Avenue Expansion (from Claflin Road, through Research Park Drive, to Kimball Avenue)
  • Airport General Aviation Site Improvements
  • South Airport Road adjacent to the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) for private flights and charters
  • Airport Military Entrance
  • Manhattan Conference Center


Annually the City of Manhattan publishes an Economic Development Report regarding the use of funds. Visit the City's Economic Development page for full details and the history of past economic development sales taxes.