09/24/2026
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We are excited to share that our 2025 Listening Tour has received a 2026 Aliceann Wohlbruck NADO Impact Award. The awards from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) recognize the innovative efforts that are strengthening Kansas communities through housing, community engagement, and economic development.
The tour marked the beginning of Commerce’s administration of the Kansas Community Empowerment program. The agency traveled throughout Kansas to listen directly to communities, understand their priorities and learn what they needed to succeed. The tour helped build a framework where communities of different sizes, needs and levels of capacity can find a place to participate and grow.
NADO announced 94 winning projects led by 58 organizations across 20 states. Commerce received three awards. "These awards represent three very different projects, but each are designed to understand what communities need and find ways to help them move forward,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We want to meet communities where they are, give them the tools and resources they need, and help them turn their ideas into action.”
