WELCOME TO THE 2026 GREATER TOPEKA CHAMBER DC FLY-IN
The DC Fly-In is a powerful opportunity to champion our region’s most important federal priorities. Through a mix of Capitol Hill meetings, agency briefings, and strategic engagements with national Chamber partners, we will work to build momentum around the projects and policies that fuel Topeka’s continued growth. From workforce and innovation to infrastructure, housing, and economic development, we are here to ensure Topeka remains competitive, connected, and future-focused. As business and civic leaders, your insights and advocacy provide the real-world perspective behind the priorities we are advancing. Together, we can strengthen relationships, influence outcomes, and help shape a more prosperous future for Topeka and Shawnee County.
2026 DC FLY-IN ITINERARY
2026 DC FLY-IN ITINERARY
11:30 AM Meeting with Sen. Jerry Moran
11:30 AM Meeting with Sen. Jerry Moran
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
UNITED STATES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Greater Topeka Chamber delegation will also engage with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during this year’s DC Fly-In to better understand the national issues impacting Hispanic-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. The USHCC serves as one of the nation’s leading advocates for Hispanic business interests, representing millions of Hispanic-owned businesses that contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, and innovation throughout the United States.
During our discussions, delegation members will hear directly from USHCC leadership about the organization’s current federal policy priorities and advocacy objectives. Topics are expected to include workforce development, immigration reform, access to capital, entrepreneurship, small business growth, supplier diversity, and strategies to strengthen pathways for Hispanic business success nationwide.
These conversations are especially valuable as Topeka and Shawnee County continue working to grow a globally competitive economy. The opportunity to engage with Hispanic policy leaders and better understand the evolving needs of Hispanic entrepreneurs will help strengthen our local efforts to support minority-owned businesses, attract talent, and expand economic opportunity throughout our region.
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Greater Topeka Chamber delegation will also meet with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during this year’s DC Fly-In for a series of policy briefings focused on the national business climate and key federal issues impacting economic growth and competitiveness.
Delegates will receive a federal policy update from David Smentek, Senior Director of Government Affairs, who will provide insight into the current legislative environment in Washington and the U.S. Chamber’s advocacy priorities on behalf of the nation’s business community.
The delegation will also participate in a focused discussion on energy policy, permitting reform, and the rapid growth of data centers with Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President of the Global Energy Institute. This conversation will explore the increasing national demand for energy infrastructure, the role permitting reform plays in economic development, and the opportunities and challenges communities face as emerging industries and technology sectors continue to expand.
These discussions will provide valuable national. perspective as Topeka continues advancing priorities related to infrastructure, innovation, energy reliability, economic competitiveness, and long-term regional growth.
DINING AND ACCOMMODATIONS
During the Fly-In, guests will enjoy a mix of historic charm and modern comfort. Our group will stay at the Hotel Washington in Washington, D.C., a landmark property known for its exceptional service and prime location near the White House and National Mall.
Evenings will feature some of the city’s most notable dining experiences. We will host dinners at Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington’s oldest saloon and a favorite gathering spot for policymakers, and Hawk ‘n’ Dove, a Capitol Hill staple with a relaxed atmosphere ideal for conversation. Congressional staff members will be invited to join these dinners, offering participants a valuable opportunity to build relationships and exchange insights in an informal setting.
A UNIQUE CAPITOL EXPERIENCE
On Monday evening, June 8, participants will enjoy a highlight of the trip: a private tour of the U.S. Capitol. This tour will be personally led by Sen. Roger Marshall, providing an insider’s perspective on the building’s history and the daily work of Congress. This intimate experience will give guests the chance to engage directly, ask questions, and see parts of the Capitol not typically accessible to the public.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
SENATOR
jerry moran
SENATOR
ROGER MARSHALL
REPRESENTATIVE (KS-1)
TRACEY MANN
REPRESENTATIVE (KS-2)
DEREK SCHMIDT
REPRESENTATIVE (NE)
MIKE FLOOD
JUMP TO SECTION
HOUSING
Topeka’s growth story is increasingly tied to a simple reality: we do not have enough housing to meet demand. Employers across the region consistently report that talent is willing to move here for strong job opportunities, but too often struggles to find available, attainable housing. Current market conditions reflect a highly constrained environment, with homes in Shawnee County selling in a median of just four days and at 100% of both list and original asking price. Median home prices have climbed above $214,000, while inventory remains at only a one-month supply—clear indicators that demand continues to outpace supply.
At the same time, Topeka continues to maintain a strong affordability advantage compared to peer regional markets. The city’s price-to-income ratio remains around 2.8, significantly lower than communities such as Lawrence, Manhattan, and Wichita. This affordability has become a key driver in workforce recruitment and regional competitiveness as more families seek communities where homeownership remains achievable.
At the federal level, there is encouraging bipartisan momentum to address housing supply challenges. Efforts such as the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 3507) and the ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 4879) reflect growing recognition that increasing housing supply will require regulatory reform, infrastructure investment, and targeted development incentives. We also support innovative approaches to affordability, including Rep. Tracey Mann’s First-Time Home Buyer Empowerment Act (H.R. 7468), which would allow 529 savings accounts to be used for housing-related expenses.
WHAT CONGRESS CAN DO
For Topeka, the path forward is clear: aligning local, state, and federal efforts to reduce barriers, expand financing tools, and incentivize housing development is essential to supporting continued growth and keeping the American Dream of homeownership within reach.
Support bipartisan housing supply legislation, including:
• Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 3507), sponsored by Mike Flood and Emanuel Cleaver
• ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 4879), sponsored by Mike Flood
• First-Time Home Buyer Empowerment Act (H.R. 7468), sponsored by Tracey Mann
• Advance policies that reduce regulatory barriers and accelerate housing construction timelines.
• Support federal infrastructure and development programs that improve site readiness and enable workforce housing growth.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Access to capital remains a critical component of Topeka’s economic growth and housing development efforts. Community and regional financial institutions play an essential role in financing housing, commercial development, neighborhood reinvestment, and small business expansion across Kansas.
Topeka is fortunate to be home to a strong financial services sector, including Capitol Federal Savings Bank and other major industry employers that help drive regional economic activity. As these institutions continue to grow, it is important that federal regulatory frameworks evolve alongside them.
We support efforts to modernize and index regulatory asset thresholds for community and regional banks so institutions like Capitol Federal, Equity Bank, and Intrust Bank can continue expanding their lending capacity without facing disproportionate compliance burdens triggered solely by asset growth. Tailored regulatory treatment for low-risk, community-focused institutions is essential to preserving access to capital in regional markets like Topeka.
Legislation such as H.R. 7056, which increases several regulatory thresholds applicable to large and small banks, together with H.R. 3230, which indexes Consumer Financial Protection Act Sections 1025(a) and 1026(a)(CFPB regulatory trigger), provide community-focused lenders flexibility to continue supporting local economic development. Preserving strong local lending capacity is particularly important as communities work to address housing shortages, support workforce growth, and encourage private investment. Indexing the Durbin Interchange Fee cap or implementing a gradual step-down to the cap is the one missing component critical to safe and sound community bank growth.
In communities like Topeka, local banks are often the institutions financing housing projects, supporting entrepreneurs, and reinvesting in neighborhoods. Ensuring these institutions can continue to grow responsibly without unnecessary regulatory burdens is essential to maintaining long-term economic competitiveness and supporting continued regional growth.
WHAT CONGRESS CAN DO
• Pass H.R. 7056 to increase regulatory asset thresholds applicable to large and small banks and better align federal regulations with the growth of community and regional financial institutions.
• Pass H.R. 3230 to index the Consumer Financial Protection Act regulatory thresholds under Sections 1025(a) and 1026(a), preventing institutions from facing additional regulatory burdens solely due to asset growth.
• Modernize and index federal banking regulatory thresholds so community and regional banks can continue expanding their lending capacity without disproportionate compliance requirements.
• Support tailored regulatory treatment for low-risk, community-focused financial institutions to preserve access to capital in regional markets and support local economic development.
• Index the Durbin Interchange Fee cap or implement a gradual step-down to the cap to support safe and sound growth for community and regional banks.
• Preserve strong local lending capacity by ensuring federal regulations do not unnecessarily restrict the ability of community and regional banks to finance housing, small businesses, commercial development, and neighborhood reinvestment.
RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT
Reinvestment in Topeka’s riverfront represents one of the most catalytic opportunities for long-term economic growth, placemaking, and private investment in our community. The Kansas River is a defining natural asset, yet today its full potential remains largely untapped due to longstanding safety and infrastructure challenges. Addressing these barriers is the critical first step to transforming the riverfront into a vibrant destination for residents, visitors, and businesses.
At the core of this effort is the Kansas River debris removal and stabilization project. Years of accumulated debris and submerged steel from historic infrastructure have created safety concerns, limited access, and discouraged meaningful recreational use and adjacent development. A targeted investment to remove debris and stabilize key sections of the river will not only improve public safety and reduce flood risk, but also establish the necessary conditions for future redevelopment.
This project is estimated at $1.0 million, and a Congressionally Directed Spending request is being prepared for FY28 to support implementation. At the same time, we are advancing conversations with State of Kansas leadership to pursue up to $500,000 in matching funds to support the remediation and removal of debris and steel from the river corridor. Securing state participation would demonstrate strong regional commitment and help position the project for additional federal investment.
To move this vision forward, a coordinated effort across local, state, and federal partners is essential. With the right support, Topeka’s riverfront can transition from an underutilized asset into a central driver of economic vitality and community pride.
WHAT CONGRESS CAN DO
• Support the FY28 Congressionally Directed Spending request for the Kansas River debris removal and stabilization project.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Improving Topeka’s gateways and key corridors is central to our long-term strategy for economic growth, connectivity, and competitiveness. As our community attracts new residents, visitors, and investment, we must ensure the infrastructure supporting that growth is safe, efficient, and reflective of the quality businesses and travelers expect when entering our city.
A key priority is the transformation of the 17th Street corridor, one of Topeka’s most important east-west connections linking Interstate 70 to Washburn University, the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, and the Stormont Vail Events Center. The City of Topeka has submitted a $17.3 million BUILD grant application to improve safety, modernize aging infrastructure, expand multimodal access, and strengthen connectivity to major educational, cultural, and employment centers. The project includes upgraded sidewalks, bike infrastructure, utilities, and traffic flow improvements while addressing vulnerable road user safety concerns identified by KDOT.
The City of Topeka has also amended its Capital Improvement Plan to leverage Kansas Turnpike Authority partnership funding for a new interchange at I-470 and Southeast California Avenue near 29th Street. This investment will unlock new commercial development opportunities along the Lake Shawnee corridor and improve mobility on the city’s east side.
Regional partners are also advancing discussions with KDOT and other stakeholders to pursue funding strategies that would leverage approximately $9 million in KTA funding for a future interchange at I-35 and Auburn Road. While federal funding cannot be used directly on the interchange itself, federal partnership will be critical to improving Auburn Road and surrounding corridors needed to safely accommodate future traffic growth and support long-term economic development in southern Shawnee County.
These projects align directly with the goals of the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870), the bipartisan five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill introduced by Sam Graves and Rick Larsen. The legislation prioritizes long-term investments in roads, bridges, multimodal transportation systems, freight mobility, and corridor modernization while streamlining project delivery and reducing barriers that delay critical infrastructure improvements.
For communities like Topeka, support for legislation such as the BUILD America 250 Act is essential to ensuring mid-sized markets can compete for the infrastructure resources needed to support population growth, tourism, economic development, and regional connectivity.
WHAT CONGRESS CAN DO
• Support the City of Topeka’s $17.3 million BUILD grant application
• Submit formal letters of support to USDOT.
• Support passage of the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870)
• Help identify federal funding opportunities for Auburn Road interchange efforts.
TOURISM AND DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT
Tourism and destination development continue to play an increasingly important role in Topeka’s long-term economic growth strategy. The community is currently aggressively to advance Project Tinman a transformational sports and entertainment district project expected to generate over $200 million in total investment.
The project is anticipated to be supported through a combination of STAR Bonds, Community Improvement District (CID) financing, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF), while also catalyzing approximately $50 million in new private residential, hospitality, and mixed-use investment surrounding the entertainment district. Beyond creating a new sports destination for the region, the project is expected to drive tourism, stimulate private development, and strengthen Topeka’s ability to attract talent and new business investment.
The project follows a model similar to successful developments in communities such as Wichita, which leveraged federal investment to support complementary infrastructure surrounding its downtown baseball district, including a multimodal transit facility and parking garage supported in part by a $14.2 million federal grant. Topeka is exploring similar opportunities to strengthen surrounding infrastructure, connectivity, and visitor accessibility as the project advances.
At the same time, Hotel Topeka is preparing to transition ownership from the City of Topeka to the Endeavor Group, which plans to invest approximately $6 million in hotel rehabilitation and an additional $2 million in operational improvements. This reinvestment represents a major step toward modernizing one of the capital city’s key hospitality assets.
In coordination with these efforts, Shawnee County intends to pursue federal funding opportunities to support the rehabilitation and modernization of the adjacent Maner Conference Center. Enhancing the conference center alongside Hotel Topeka would help create the full-service convention and hospitality infrastructure expected of a state capital city while positioning Topeka to attract larger conferences, tourism activity, sporting events, and business travel throughout Kansas and the Midwest.
WHAT CONGRESS CAN DO
• Support competitive federal transportation and infrastructure grants similar to those utilized in Wichita’s downtown ballpark district development.
• Support Shawnee County’s efforts to pursue federal funding for the rehabilitation and modernization of the Maner Conference Center.
• Encourage federal investment that helps modernize convention, hospitality, and visitor infrastructure needed to attract conferences, sporting events, and regional tourism activity to Kansas.
HEALTH CARE and Workforce
Two of the most significant challenges facing Topeka employers today are the rising cost of providing health insurance and the continued difficulty of finding and retaining workers. Across industries, businesses are facing increasing pressure from healthcare expenses while simultaneously struggling to fill critical positions. Together, these challenges impact growth, competitiveness, and the ability of employers to invest in their workforce, expand operations, and create new opportunities in our community.
We appreciate the leadership of Senator Roger Marshall in advancing bipartisan solutions that address prescription drug costs and improve transparency in the healthcare marketplace. Efforts such as the PBM Disclosure Act (S. 3349) seek to provide employers with greater visibility into prescription drug pricing and pharmacy benefit manager practices, helping ensure that savings are passed on to employers and employees rather than absorbed within the healthcare system.
For small businesses, affordable health coverage is essential to attracting and retaining talent, yet rising healthcare costs continue to strain employers’ ability to invest in growth and their workforce. Small businesses deserve to know where their healthcare dollars are going. Greater transparency and competition within the prescription drug supply chain can help employers make more informed decisions, better control costs, and dedicate more resources to wages, benefits, hiring, and business expansion while preserving access to quality care.
At the same time, workforce availability remains one of the greatest constraints on economic growth. While long-term investments in education, training, and workforce development are essential, employers also need practical near-term solutions to address immediate labor shortages. Programs such as H-1B and H-2B visas provide critical access to both high-skill and seasonal workers who help businesses meet demand, expand operations, and support local economies. Congress has taken steps in recent years to expand H-2B capacity through supplemental visa allocations, but additional action is needed to provide employers with greater certainty and predictability.
Broader bipartisan efforts, including the Dignity Act (H.R. 4393), reflect growing recognition that workforce shortages are an economic challenge requiring practical solutions that increase workforce participation while maintaining program integrity. For communities like Topeka, ensuring employers have access to both affordable employee benefits and the workforce necessary to grow remains essential to sustaining economic momentum and competitiveness.
WHAT CONGRESS CAN DO
Reduce Health Insurance Costs For Small Business
• Advance the PBM Disclosure Act (S. 3349), introduced by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), to improve transparency in prescription drug pricing and employer-sponsored health plans.
• Support the Patients Before Monopolies Act (S. 4509), championed by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and cosponsored by Senator Marshall, to increase competition and accountability within the PBM marketplace.
Strengthen Workforce Availability
• Continue supplemental H-2B visa allocations and codify a strengthened returning worker exemption to provide employers with access to seasonal and temporary workers.
• Maintain and improve access to H-1B visas for high-skill workforce needs in industries facing talent shortages.
• Explore bipartisan workforce participation measures, including the Dignity Act (H.R. 4393), introduced by Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX).
INNOVATION
Supporting the continued buildout of the LINK Innovation Center is a strategic opportunity to strengthen regional innovation, accelerate commercialization, and position Topeka as a competitive hub for emerging industries. With more than $15 million already invested through a combination of public and private funding, the foundation has been established to support startups and growing companies in bioscience, animal health, ag tech, and related fields. The next phase is critical to fully activate that investment and maximize its impact.
The Greater Topeka Chamber, through GO Topeka, is requesting $1.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending through Senator Jerry Moran’s office to complete the buildout of additional lab space and procure specialized equipment needed for applied research and product development. This funding would enable the completion of five remaining lab suites, allowing companies to conduct testing, validation, and early-stage commercialization work that is often out of reach in mid-sized markets. This investment aligns directly with federal priorities around innovation, domestic competitiveness, and expanding access to research infrastructure beyond major metropolitan areas. By equipping LINK to serve as a shared use research facility, this project helps bridge the gap between idea and market, supports entrepreneurship, and strengthens supply chains in critical sectors.
Importantly, this is a high-leverage opportunity. Significant local and private capital has already been committed, and federal support would act as the final catalyst to unlock the center’s full potential. With completion, LINK will be positioned to attract new companies, retain talent, and drive long-term economic growth in the Greater Topeka region.
WHAT CONGRESS CAN DO
Support LINK Innovation Labs CDS Request
Support the $1.5M Congressionally Directed Spending request through Senator Jerry Moran’s office to complete LINK lab buildout.
Support National Biotechnology Initiative Act (S.1387 / H.R.2756)
The bipartisan National Biotechnology Initiative Act (S.1387 / H.R.2756), aligns closely with the mission of LINK Innovation Labs in Topeka. The legislation focuses on expanding U.S. biotechnology competitiveness, strengthening domestic biotech infrastructure, improving commercialization pathways, and supporting regional innovation ecosystems outside traditional coastal markets.
Sponsors: Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK), and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA).
AVIATION AND MILITARY READINESS
Forbes Field is home to the 190th Air Refueling Wing, one of Kansas’ most important military assets and a cornerstone of the Topeka region’s economy. Its mission supports national security while generating significant economic impact and sustaining highly skilled aviation and defense careers throughout our community. As the region looks to the future, continued investment in aviation infrastructure is essential to sustaining the 190th’s mission and creating new opportunities for growth at Forbes Field and the Topeka Regional Airport.
A key component of this effort is the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority’s $6 million FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending request, submitted through Rep. Derek Schmidt’s office, to replace the perimeter fence at Forbes Field. Rep. Schmidt successfully secured $3 million for the project through the House THUD bill. The existing fence has exceeded its useful life and no longer meets the security expectations of a modern military installation. Replacing it will strengthen force protection, enhance installation security, and support the 190th’s future mission requirements.
These investments are part of a broader strategy to modernize Forbes Field as a premier aviation, defense, and economic development asset. Regional partners are working to attract aerospace investment, advance the proposed Great Plains Defense Autonomy Hub, and support future growth across the airport campus. At the same time, the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, City of Topeka, Shawnee County, and regional partners are pursuing an Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) Compatible Use Study to strengthen military readiness, improve infrastructure planning, and ensure long-term compatibility between the 190th’s mission and future community growth.
These local priorities align with national efforts to strengthen aviation security and modernize critical infrastructure. We appreciate Senator Jerry Moran’s leadership on the SAFEGUARDS Act (S. 2378), which would accelerate investment in advanced aviation security technologies and enhance the resilience of the nation’s aviation system.
For Topeka, federal partnership in aviation infrastructure is about more than maintaining existing assets. It is about preserving a critical national defense mission, supporting aviation and defense industry growth, and ensuring Forbes Field remains a strategic asset for Kansas and the nation for decades to come.
WHAT CONGRESS CAN DO
• Support the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority’s FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending request to replace the perimeter fence at Forbes Field.
• Support policies that strengthen aviation security, including Senator Jerry Moran’s SAFEGUARDS Act (S. 2378).
• Support the community’s application for an OLDCC Compatible Use Study to protect the long-term mission of the 190th Air Refueling Wing.
• Advocate for continued federal investment in infrastructure supporting the 190th Air Refueling Wing and other critical national defense installations.
• Support investments that help position Forbes Field for future commercial air service, aviation industry growth, and defense-related economic development.
SPONSORED BY
