Economic Development

Independence is an industrial "hub” for Southeast Kansas and the home of many successful businesses that conduct business in a global market. Independence is in close proximity to major markets and draws a workforce from a population base of close to 200,000 people on a daily basis.

If you are considering relocating or expanding your business in Independence, we are pleased to present two main industrial parks with available acreage for your business. We would also be pleased to work with you on alternate sites which may better suit the company's needs or have other advantages for your project.

Downtown Commercial Building Grant Program


The Downtown Independence Building Grant is established for the sole purpose of aiding in the preservation of the structural integrity of existing commercial buildings located within the Central Business District of the City of Independence to maintain the economic stability of the Central Business District. This grant provides a 25% reimbursement for eligible expenses with a maximum funding of $25,000 per building.

Neighborhood Revitalization Districts

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program uses a tax rebate to encourage the rehabilitation of existing properties, as well as the development of new properties that are located in a designated Neighborhood Revitalization District (NRD).  To find out if your property is in a Neighborhood Revitalization District click here for an interactive map  and enter your address in the search bar in the upper right corner and click enter.  You may also click on any of the districts on the map for more information.  Applications must be filed with the City Clerk with a $25 application fee within 60 days following issuance of a building permit, or if a building permit is not required within 60 days of starting the improvements.  For an application, click here.  The table below indicates the rebate percentage for each neighborhood revitalization district based on the type of improvement. 

New Structure Rehabilitation, alteration or addition Rehabilitation of structure on Kansas Historical Register
NRD Expires Years 1-5 Years 6-10 Years 1-5 Years 6-10 Years 1-5 Years 6-10 Notes
Central 12/31/2030 Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 100% Accessory structures are not eligible; such as garages, gazebos, storage buildings, workshops, swimming pools, etc.
Downtown Area 12/31/2025 Up to 100% Up to 75% Up to 100% Up to 100% Up to 100% Up to 100% Accessory structures are not eligible; such as garages, gazebos, storage buildings, workshops, swimming pools, etc.
North Penn 12/31/2027 Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 100% Accessory structures are not eligible; such as garages, gazebos, storage buildings, workshops, swimming pools, etc.
Southeast 12/31/2030 Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 100% Accessory structures are not eligible; such as garages, gazebos, storage buildings, workshops, swimming pools, etc.
Southwest 12/31/2030 Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 100% Accessory structures are not eligible; such as garages, gazebos, storage buildings, workshops, swimming pools, etc.
West Laurel Street Industrial Park 12/31/2025 Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 50% New and existing structures are eligible. Minimum investment of $200,000 for commercial/industrial buildings.
West Main Street 12/31/2025 Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 50% Up to 100% Up to 100% Only commercial structures are eligible.

Airport Industrial Park

The Independence Airport Industrial Park is located four miles southwest of the City of Independence and is currently home to various businesses including Cessna Aircraft.

Airport Industrial-South

The Airport Industrial Park-South has 161 acres available in the southeast corner of the Airport Industrial Park. Full utility services are available to the site. The City will subdivide this property in a manner that is tailored to the business’ needs.

Airport Industrial-West

This site is located in the northwest corner of the Airport Industrial Park, adjoining U.S. 75 Highway. All utilities are available to the site. The site consist of 192 acres

West Laurel Industrial Park

The West Laurel Industrial Park has 18.5 acres available. It is located in the western portion of Independence and adjoins U.S. Highway 75/160. Access to the U.S. highway is by a controlled intersection. Full utility services are available to the site. A rail spurline is available in the Industrial Park and extendable to the specific needs of the business.

Incentives

We have a comprehensive set of incentives to assist with projects that create new jobs, in addition to those offered by the State of Kansas and the Kansas Department of Commerce, including:
  • Land Incentives are available
  • Industrial Revenue Bonds and other low cost financing options
  • Tax Assistance:
    • Property Tax Exemption up to 100% for 10 years
    • Capital Investment Tax Credits - 10% (for only specified areas in Kansas)
    • Enhanced Enterprise Zone
  • Utility extensions and electric rate reduction
  • Local Business Incentive Program:  City of Independence Business Incentive Policy
  • Other assistance as needed
To further assist us in responding to your needs, please fill out the following form:  Project Initiation Form

Further Information
If you would like specific industrial site and economic development incentive information, please contact the City Manager at 620-332-2506 or Jim Kelly, Montgomery County Action Council at 620-331-3830. 

For other business support, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 620-331-1890 or Independence Main Street at 620-331-2300.

Available Industrial Land