Kansas Community Empowerment

Department of Commerce, we provide tools, training, and funding to help local leaders turn great ideas into lasting impact. Whether your goals involve downtown beautification, civic engagement, or leadership development, we are here to help your community move from intention to action—and from action to transformation. We want to bring people together, foster local pride, and encourage active participation in the places they call home. We do this to help create happier, healthier, and more thriving communities across Kansas. Founded in 1970 by Governor Robert Docking, the Kansas Community Empowerment Program began as a partnership between K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and Kansas PRIDE, Inc. This grassroots initiative is built on the values of self-reliance, volunteerism, and a shared commitment to improving the "quality of place" in communities throughout the state. Every Kansas community is unique, yet they all share a common bond: a proud heritage rooted in resilience and local pride. Community Guidelines: We kindly ask that you be respectful when engaging on our page. We reserve the right to remove any content that is harmful, offensive, or inappropriate.