# Kansas Department of Commerce Rebrands Empower Program

The Kansas Department of Commerce has rebranded its Kansas Community Empowerment program as Empower Kansas to streamline and unify statewide community development initiatives. This change, effective since 2025, aims to enhance collaboration, leadership, and local flexibility to support community revitalization and economic growth across Kansas. Procurement professionals and contractors engaged in community development, economic growth projects, and local government partnerships should note this rebranding as it signals a consolidated approach to funding and program administration under the Kansas Department of Commerce.

- The rebranding reflects a strategic effort to simplify access and coordination for community development resources statewide.
- Procurement opportunities may arise through Empower Kansas for projects focused on local leadership development, community revitalization, and economic growth initiatives.
- Organizations working with Kansas municipalities or regional entities should align proposals and outreach efforts with the Empower Kansas framework to maximize engagement.
- This unified program structure may lead to streamlined contracting processes and clearer points of contact within the Kansas Department of Commerce.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Kansas Department of Commerce

### Key Quotes
> Exchanging insight and feedback has brought new ideas and innovative approaches, all designed to strengthen our local leaders who are driving their community’s revitalization.
> — Matt Godinez, Assistant Secretary of Quality Places

> Kansas PRIDE has been part of grassroot community developments in Kansas for more than 50 years — and communities have thrived from its resources.
> — Doug Helmke, Empower Kansas Board President

### Sources
- [Kansas Community Empowerment Rebrands as Empower Kansas - Kansas Department of Commerce](https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2026/09/kansas-community-empowerment-rebrands-as-empower-kansas-2/) - KS