Comparison of Economic Development Expenditures in Kansas Communities

Abstract

In an effort to learn more about economic development expenditures in Kansas communities, the Institute for Public Policy and Business Research conducted a telephone survey in the 30 largest communities of the state. The survey, completed in February 1989, focused on budget volumes targeted for economic development by the various cities, counties, chambers of commerce and other economic development agencies. Also, the survey aimed at obtaining information on the communities’ main sources for funding. Economic development expenditures were defined in the survey as costs for management of economic development programs (staff salaries, staff development, postage etc.), prospect development (advertising, direct mail, entertainment and other prospect services), collateral materials (brochures, video), and special programs development (research, marketing, industrial site development, etc.). Although travel and tourism promotion may be an important aspect of a community's economic development efforts, it was not included in this survey, and all communities have a separate budget devoted to the convention and tourism industry funded through the transient guest tax collections.