Mayor Todd Winters delivers 2026 State of the City Address

The City of Gardner, Kansas, held its 2026 State of the City Address on April 17, 2026, delivered by Mayor Todd Winters. The mayor highlighted significant procurement and capital improvement projects, including the revitalization of downtown Gardner with property acquisitions to expand walkable public spaces. Key infrastructure investments were detailed, such as the Gardner Road and I-35 interchange project, funded in part by the city to prioritize state involvement, with completion expected in December 2027. The city is also investing in road resurfacing projects on Old 56 Highway, Poplar Street, White Drive, and other corridors, supported by a half-cent infrastructure sales tax. Traffic signal interconnect systems were implemented to improve traffic flow and maintenance efficiency. Utility infrastructure upgrades include the Cedar Nails Lift Station Improvement Project and expansion of the Kill Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility to address wastewater capacity, as well as the ongoing electric substation number four project to enhance grid reliability. The mayor also announced community-building initiatives such as playground improvements funded partly by a $50,000 T-Mobile grant and $53,000 raised by the community. Residential and commercial development is robust, with multiple housing subdivisions underway and a new dual-brand hotel planned. The city is also considering a data center project contingent on substantial community benefits and environmental safeguards. The address emphasized fiscal responsibility, noting the city's strong credit rating and award-winning finance department managing capital improvement programs.