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 exploring the idea of starting or expanding a business, no matter how small or large, in the Independence area, click here to provide some brief information so that we may assist you:  New or Expanding Business Inquiry Form

If you already have detailed information prepared about your business, such as project cost estimates and the number of estimated jobs that will be created, and are ready to explore incentives, please fill out the following form:  Project Initiation Form

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 District

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) is a tax rebate initiative offered by the City of Independence to promote new construction and the rehabilitation of existing permanent structures. The program is designed to encourage property investment, enhance community aesthetics, and improve property values across residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, office, and professional properties located within the City limits.

The tax rebate will be based only upon the increased appraised value attributed to the eligible improvement. For purposes of calculating the increase in the appraised value, a base value shall first be established by calculating the average historical appraised value of the parcel for the three (3) tax years immediately preceding the application for rebate. The increase in the appraised value shall be the difference between the base value established and the appraised value after the eligible improvement is constructed. 

To be eligible, a project must involve either the construction of a new permanent structure or substantial improvements to an existing one that increase the appraised property value. Projects must meet a minimum investment threshold of $5,000 for residential or $10,000 for non-residential properties. Improvements must be completed within two years of approval. A one-time extension of up to 12 months may be granted by the City Commission if requested in writing at least 30 days before the deadline.

Only properties located within the City limits and outside the 100-year floodplain are eligible. To determine if your property is outside the 100-year floodplain, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Additional eligibility criteria include current payment of all taxes and receipt of necessary permits prior to starting construction.

Applications must be submitted by the deeded property owner within 60 days of building permit issuance—or, if no permit is required, within 60 days of starting the improvements. A $100 non-refundable application fee must accompany the application and be made payable to the Montgomery County Appraiser.

Qualifying improvements include new buildings, remodels, additions, and rehabilitation of both historic and non-historic structures. Driveways and sidewalks are eligible only if they increase value and are not part of historic property improvements. Ineligible improvements include landscaping, fences, sprinkler systems, portable sheds, above-ground pools, hot tubs, and irrigation equipment. Tax-exempt properties do not qualify.

If your project involves a building listed on the Kansas Historical Register or located within a designated Historic District, you must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Independence Historic Preservation & Resource Commission before starting. For contributing historic projects, only the primary building qualifies for a rebate—not accessory structures, driveways, or sidewalks.

The specific rebate percentages and terms for each eligible improvement type are shown in the rebate table below. Please refer to that chart for detailed rebate information. 

Note: Montgomery County retains a 5% administrative fee.

For questions or help with the application process, contact the City Clerk at 620-332-2500, ext 702 or the City Manager’s Office at 620-332-2506. For a copy of the full plan, click here. To download the application, click here.

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 Textron Aviation, VSE Aviation, and PAG (Precision Aviation Group, Inc.).

Airport Industrial-South

The Airport Industrial Park-South has 129 acres available on the Southeast portion of the Airport Industrial Park. Utilities are available to the site and it can be subdivided. This is a Kansas Certified Site.  Click here for more information. 

Airport Industrial-Southwest

The Airport Industrial Park-Southwest has 163 acres available in the southwest 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. This is a Kansas Certified Site. Click here for more information.

Airport Industrial-Northwest

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 225.98 acres and is a Kansas Certified Site. Click here for more information. 

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

If you have detailed information about your business that you can share to further assist us in responding to your needs for incentives, please fill out the following form:  Project Initiation Form

If you are exploring the idea of starting or expanding a business, no matter how small or large, in the Independence area, click here to provide some brief information so that we may assist you:  New or Expanding Business Inquiry 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 Melissa Johnson, 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

• Aerial of Airport (JPEG)
  
• Airport Master Plan Map (JPEG)
  
• Airport South (JPEG)
  
• Airport West (JPEG)
  
• West Laurel Industrial Park (JPEG)