Exploring Kingman, Kansas: Grants, Downtown Revitalization, and Economic Development

Just a small 45-minute drive west of Wichita lies Kingman, a city redefining life in small-town America. Nestled in the heart of Kansas, Kingman is where small-town charm meets big city vision. From its historic downtown streets to its bold commitment for future growth, this epic community is redefining rural living and bringing it into the mainstream. All while honoring its pioneering roots.

With programs like KEEP fueling the city’s drive for restoration and entrepreneurship, Kingman isn’t just preserving the past, it’s freaking building a legacy. And with a motto like “A great place to Land,” Kingman might just be landing more than just grants in the near future.

Kingman, Kansas: How One Town is Turning History into Opportunity

When you think about small towns in Kansas, the word “revitalization” might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but in Kingman it should be.

This past week, Kansas Weekly’s own Nathan Engels sat down with Leslie Schrag—Kingman’s forward-thinking Economic Development Director—to uncover the momentum she’s building for this small-town gem.

From revitalized buildings to big opportunities for entrepreneurs, Leslie is helping Kingman write a bold and welcomed new chapter, all while keeping its storied roots intact.

So whether it’s renovating historic buildings or generating incentives for local entrepreneurs, Kingman is proving it’s not just open to growth, it expects it. And after sitting down to chat with Leslie, we know she’s more than up for the challenge.

The KEEP Program: Rebuilding From the Ground Up

At the heart of the city’s resurgence is the Kingman Economic Enrichment Program (KEEP), a locally run initiative with a mission to breathe new life into Kingman’s downtown.

The KEEP program empowers its local entrepreneurs to breathe new and fresh life into the Kingman community by offering façade grants, signage support, and building improvement resources. These resources will be used to honor the town’s rich character while also celebrating the bold, creative spirit of those shaping its future.

“This program is something we’re really proud of,” Schrag explained. We’re focused on preserving the beautiful architecture of these old buildings and helping business owners to make them shine again. It's not just cosmetic, it’s cultural. “This is about investing in Kingman’s identity.”

Two of the many hidden gems Kingman has to offer are its charming red brick roads and timeless 1800s-era architecture, both of which give their downtown a character that feels lovingly preserved and authentically Kansas.

“Our main street is red brick, and a lot of people really like that. We have a very nice downtown.” Schrag went on to explain that they’ve had several buildings recently restored, and preserving a lot of their late 1800s architecture was the goal. “We’ve worked really hard to save a lot of these.”

At a recent statewide Entreprenurial gathering, Schrag and Officials hosted over a hundred and twenty-five visitors from across the state that came in to learn about entrepreneurship and enjoy the city for two nights.

Watching people walk up and down Main Street to attend their breakout sessions, was amazing. “We utilized our businesses to host these sessions at the conference, and it was quite something seeing all those people enjoying everything that Kingman had to offer.”

Schrag and crew worked hard to host this event and provide a successful conference for those who attended. It was a great success, and we at Kansas Weekly believe that this is just a taste of what the future could bring for Kingman’s high rising community.

As far as the KEEP program is concerned, there have been several projects who have already benefited from the resources. And yes, the results are starting to turn heads. Locals are noticing that former storefronts, that once sat empty and quiet are now being restored, painted, and opened.

With community pride rising, the KEEP program is helping create a visual reminder that something big is happening here.

More Than Grants—A Culture of Growth

Leslie emphasized that KEEP is just one part of Kingman’s larger plan for economic vibrancy.

“We’re not just revitalizing buildings, we’re revitalizing the mindset,” she said. “We’ve been very intentional about welcoming entrepreneurs and helping people envision a future here. We will go above and beyond to make it worth their while.”

Whether it’s the local coffee shop dreaming up a second location, or an out-of-town investor looking for a small-town opportunity with strong community roots, Kingman is rolling out the welcome mat. They currently have manufacturing space available, as well as affordable shovel ready land that could house the future visions of future trailblazers.

Our airport is named after Clyde Cessna, who moved to Kingman County when he was one. “We like to think that our community really encompasses his pioneering spirit, and we’re looking for others just like him.”

One of Leslie’s goals is to let people know: you don’t have to go it alone. “This community supports its businesses. If you’ve got an idea, we’ve got resources.”

Where History Meets Possibility

Beyond the economic opportunities, Kingman is a beautiful place to live, work, and visit. Historic architecture lines the streets, families wave from front porches, and the community still gathers for Friday night lights and Main Street parades.

“People sometimes forget how special it is to grow up or raise a family in a town like this,” Schrag said. There’s something magic about its charm—something you can’t recreate in a big city. “Actually, we have everything here that big city’s do.”

From restored downtown buildings to a growing spirit of entrepreneurship, Kingman is no longer content to be a best kept secret. It’s putting itself on the map, showing everyone that small towns can do big things.

Want Your City or Business Featured?

Hello friends!!! Who wants a feature…

At Kansas Weekly, we’re proud to shine a light on stories like Kingman’s, and we’d love to help tell yours. Contact us today to be featured in an upcoming article, video, or city spotlight.

nate@kansasweekly.com

**See more at KansasWeekly.com