Topeka, Kansas
After several years of economic development initiatives that failed to achieve the desired results, decision makers in Shawnee County and the City of Topeka determined that an integrated proactive solution was needed to steer future development. A bold plan was put in place to finance economic development activities through a local economic development sales tax, and in 2002, the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/Go Topeka retained the Wadley-Donovan Group (WDG), Development Counsellors International (DCI), and Whittaker Associates to develop a comprehensive assessment of the Greater Topeka region. Elements of the study included a full locational assessment, recommendations on competitive improvement measures, an industrial park feasibility analysis, target industries, and a detailed marketing blueprint.

Extensive primary research provided the foundation of WDG’s analysis, including field interviews with community stakeholders, employers, and state and local officials, as well as public forums designed to gauge the opinions of county residents. The public meetings and focus groups were very well attended and provided valuable input into the selection of the three target industries. The final industries profiled for recruitment and attraction efforts were Office and Business Services, Light Manufacturing, and Mission Critical Facilities. Since adoption of the plan, the Chamber has undertaken a pro-active marketing campaign and implemented a number of the recommendations put forth in WDG’s analysis. Since completion of the project, Topeka has attracted a regional distribution center, as well as captured a significant expansion at a local Goodyear tire manufacturing plant. A program to develop the downtown into an educational and residential center is also planned.