09/22/26 City Commission Work Session

The City Commission Work Session for the City of Manhattan, Kansas, held on September 22, 2026, focused primarily on two key procurement-related topics. First, the commission discussed the Fort Riley Safe Passage Program, a rideshare initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving among soldiers, funded through vouchers and partnerships with Lyft and KDOT. The program experienced high demand, leading to a temporary pause due to funding exhaustion, with plans to resume and adjust eligibility and hours. Second, the commission deliberated on the historic designation of Sunset Cemetery and associated properties, including the Sexton's House and the Landmark Water Tower. The discussion involved potential grant and tax credit opportunities, legal considerations regarding property ownership, and the process for quieting the title of the Sexton's House. The commission directed staff to proceed with the historic designation of the cemetery excluding the Sexton's House until ownership is clarified. Additionally, the session included an extensive presentation on the Edge 3.0 development project led by the K State Foundation, detailing the use of tax increment financing (TIF), STAR bonds, and community improvement districts (CID) to fund a $304 million multi-faceted development including research facilities, an arena, hotel, restaurants, and residential units. The commission and public engaged in detailed discussions about the financial structure, projected economic impact, risks, and community benefits, with plans for further negotiation and public hearings in the coming months.