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Osage County economic development director outlines grants, downtown plans and bridge application
Summary
Colleen Mendoza told commissioners the county has $13.1 million in grant awards to date, is pursuing a $69 million multi‑jurisdiction bridge application and is managing a $750,000 Safe Streets planning grant now in its second round of agreement reviews.
Colleen Mendoza, the county’s economic development director, told the Osage County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 27 that her office is pursuing a mix of regional and local projects to strengthen downtowns, retain small businesses and prepare shovel‑ready sites.
"In 2025 and '26, they've been challenging for economic development, with a tightening economy and a lot of uncertainty at the state and federal level," Mendoza said, summarizing grant and contracting delays the office has faced. She said the county's Safe Streets planning grant — a $750,000 award — is in the second round of federal grant agreement reviews after a months‑long pause.
Mendoza also described a multi‑jurisdiction federal bridge grant application, prepared jointly with Chase County, for a total project cost of $69,000,000 that would cover eight bridges in Osage County and seven in Chase County; if awarded the county would need roughly $9,400,000 in matching funds. She noted the county received $27,500 to support grant writing and has secured $13.1 million in grant awards between 2024 and 2026 so far.
Mendoza said the office is supporting downtown revitalization in towns including Carbondale, Osage City and Overbrook through visioning reports and Kansas Main Street affiliation, and is bringing business assistance locally after the Emporia office closure by securing a monthly Lawrence Business Center presence in the county.
On workforce and housing, Mendoza said the county is awaiting notice on a MIH grant that could fund 21 homes across six communities; earlier awards included 40 units in Carbondale and 15 in Osage City. She estimated that if those homes materialize at an average value of $300,000 they could raise county property tax revenue by about $426,000.
Mendoza closed by flagging tourism and events as economic strategies — citing a $12 million figure for annual visitor spending to the county — and announcing a small‑business marketing and training event on April 22 expected to bring roughly 200 people to Osage County.
The commissioners thanked Mendoza for the briefing and said they would seek updates as projects advance.
