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Kansas Lawmakers Requested Local Support for KBI Building

The state committee has asked Topeka and Shawnee County for financial support for a new agency headquarters.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Construction

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Kansas lawmakers have asked Topeka and Shawnee County officials to provide financial support for a proposed $80 million Kansas Bureau of Investigation headquarters. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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State officials have requested that Topeka and Shawnee County provide financial or in-kind support for a proposed $80 million Kansas Bureau of Investigation headquarters. The Joint Committee on State Building Construction suggested exploring other cities if local officials in Topeka do not contribute.

Why it matters

Lawmakers contend that local governments should assist in funding state facilities that generate regional economic activity. The project is necessary because the current agency building, which dates to 1929, is considered unfit for operations due to safety concerns.

The project is backed by $80 million in bonds authorized for up to 30-year terms. The recommendation to seek local contributions applies to state construction projects exceeding the $1.5 million threshold.

The players

Kansas Bureau of Investigation

This is the primary state law enforcement agency responsible for criminal investigations and providing forensic services across Kansas.

Joint Committee on State Building Construction

This legislative body oversees the capital improvement projects and building needs of various state agencies in Kansas.

State Finance Council

This council is tasked with final oversight of state financial matters, including the approval of bond issuance for major projects.

The details

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has selected a site at 10th and Quincy streets for the new facility. The plan remains in the early planning stages and requires formal approval from the State Finance Council before bonds are issued.

Timeline

  1. The current headquarters building was constructed in 1929.

  2. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation began occupying the current headquarters in 1984.

  3. The state authorized $80 million in bonds for the project in 2025.

  4. The committee approved the request for local support in September 2026.

Market Landscape

This request highlights a shift in how the state manages capital projects by pushing for local investment to help offset costs. By suggesting alternative locations like Lawrence, Salina, or Wichita, lawmakers are signaling that project competition may influence site selection.

Local taxpayers in Topeka and Shawnee County may see municipal funds or public resources directed toward the KBI headquarters if the local government chooses to support the state request. If no agreement is reached, the project could potentially be relocated to a different city entirely.

The takeaway

The state is prioritizing local partnerships to help fund significant infrastructure projects moving forward. Officials are emphasizing that tax-funded state facilities are expected to provide clear economic benefits to the host community.

Further reading

For more information on ongoing state capital projects, visit the Kansas Construction section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Kansas Public Radio.

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Should local governments contribute funds to help pay for state-managed construction projects in their area?