Photo: Go Topeka / Courtesy
In the city of Topeka, in Kansas, there is a project that offers up to $15,000 dollars to immigrants who want to move there, in addition to receiving guidance for employment and business.
GO Topeka is the Kansas capital’s economic development group that launched an initiative in 2019 to encourage immigrants of all origins to move to the city.
“The city [ubicada en el] Midwest [de Estados Unidos] welcomes immigrants with open arms and offers various resources, including up to $15,000 for their housing, childcare, and higher education needs,” a group report states.
Photo: Courtesy
It is noted that residents of New Topeka and Shawnee counties, as well as recent graduates of Washburn University, can receive up to $15,000 for home purchase or child care expensesif they work personally for a local company.
“A $5,000 incentive is available for veterans and boomerang residents looking to return,” it says.
Erik Bovell, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, arrived in the US five years ago and moved to Topeka in 2022where she attended college, landed a remote work opportunity, while the Choose Topeka program gave her family the chance to buy their first home.
“Topeka allowed my family to discover the American dream,” Bovell said.
Topeka Mayor Michelle de la Isla, who speaks English and Spanish, highlights the importance of the Hispanic population in strengthening her community.
“It is incredible to see the city grow as a cultural center, and with the constant development of initiatives to support Hispanic businessmen, students, families, children and even tourists,” he said.
Photo: Courtesy
Other benefits
In addition to resources to settle in the city and education, the program offers resources to immigrant businesses with the support of El Centro de Topeka.
“I’m not surprised that our Hispanic population is increasing,” said Pedro Concepcion, owner of business consulting firm KIT Solutions. ?I was born in Mexico and moved to Topeka from Chicago. Not only did I meet other young Hispanic professionals, but the city also fosters my culture and heritage, giving me the opportunity to grow while realizing my potential as a leader.?
The integration of immigrants into the community is important in the plan, which is why a center for Hispanic tourism and events organizes different activities and promotes projects, such as art murals to the Mexican rodeo and the Fiesta Topeka, an annual celebration of community mexican culture, hispanic heritage.
This boost to the Hispanic population has been reflected in government representation, where 30% of the city’s elected officials are of Hispanic descent, including Mayor Michael Padilla.
It is noted that Shawnee County’s Hispanic population is approximately 13.4%.
The city recently announced the appointment of former DACA recipient Ernestor De la Rosa as the city’s first DEI director.
“The people of Topeka pride themselves on being an inclusive and welcoming community,” said Glenda Washington, director of equity and opportunity for the Greater Topeka Partnership and senior vice president of GO Topeka’s division of Women and Minority Business Development.
Where can you apply: Visit the Choose Topeka website.