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JEDO OKs $300,000 for Choose Topeka 2.0 talent incentives and Career Coach subscription
Summary
The joint board approved $300,000 to continue Choose Topeka 2.0 talent incentives — $230,000 for incentive matches, $20,000 for welcome packages and $50,000 for a two‑year Career Coach subscription — with staff citing prior employer matches and a plan to reach about 100 residents via welcome programming.
The Joint Economic Development Organization approved $300,000 to extend the Choose Topeka 2.0 talent program and its recruitment tools.
Rian, who presented on behalf of program lead Trina, said the request included $230,000 to sustain incentive funding for two years, $20,000 for welcome packages and community onboarding events, and a two‑year Career Coach platform subscription described in the packet as $50,000. Staff reported the program has produced roughly 90 employer‑matched hires averaging about $96,000 and that the boomerang/exiting‑military buckets have placed several people at an average wage near $85,000.
Rian said the Career Coach platform allows job seekers to upload resumes and connect directly with employers and that the platform pulls job postings from search engines such as Indeed and LinkedIn. The presenter and other board members discussed how the platform fits with other job‑matching options and whether it should be limited to program participants; staff said employers can post jobs and candidates can create profiles to be discovered.
Mayor Duncan moved to approve the funding and Councilmember Hiller seconded. The board held a roll‑call vote; all recorded members voted yes and the motion passed.
Next steps: staff will finalize the funding allocation and continue outreach to employers for the Career Coach platform and other program elements.
