Chamber of Commerce
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The CivicPlus® building at 302 S. 4th Street in downtown Manhattan has officially returned to the property tax rolls following the expiration of its tax abatement period in 2023, generating a significant new and ongoing revenue stream for local taxing jurisdictions.
According to the Riley County Appraiser, the property is now valued at approximately $9.2 million. Under the commercial assessment rate of 25 percent and a combined mill levy of roughly 153 mills, the property is projected to generate approximately $351,900 annually in property tax revenue for Riley County, the City of Manhattan, and USD 383.
By comparison, the previous structure on the site was valued at approximately $150,000 and would have generated just over $5,000 in property taxes annually. During the 10-year abatement period, the community continued to receive taxes based on the original building’s value; the abatement applied only to the incremental increase in assessed value resulting from redevelopment.
The facility was constructed in 2013 to support CivicPlus' anticipated growth, a Manhattan-based company. The City of Manhattan negotiated an incentive agreement that included a 10-year tax abatement, which played a key role in securing the expansion. Since that time CivicPlus has grown to more than 900 employees across 44 states, with about 120 based in the Manhattan area. The company regularly hosts members of its remote workforce at its headquarters for team meetings and collaboration. In the past year alone, the Manhattan office welcomed more than 700 employee visits.
“This is exactly how a strategic incentive is intended to work,” said Jeff Wick, CEO of WTC Fiber and Chair of the Jobs & Business Growth Committee of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. “The community received baseline tax revenue throughout the abatement period, and now the full value of the investment is contributing to schools, public safety, and essential services—without increasing the tax burden on existing residents.”
CivicPlus is a nationally recognized provider of government technology. Its software platform supports thousands of public-sector organizations nationwide, helping local governments improve efficiency, transparency, and resident engagement. The company’s sustained growth has included ongoing product expansion and continued investment in its Manhattan workforce.
“CivicPlus is grateful to the City of Manhattan and Riley County for the tax abatement and partnership that allowed us to invest, grow, and remain rooted in downtown Manhattan,” said Brian Rempe, Chief Executive Officer of CivicPlus. “Many of our employees live here and raise their families here, and we remain committed to continuing our investment in the community and our local workforce.
Over the past decade, CivicPlus’ expansion has supported both direct job creation and broader economic activity within the community. The return of the property to full taxation marks a transition from a development incentive to a long-term, sustainable public benefit.
Local leaders note that broadening the commercial tax base helps fund critical services—including streets, fire and police protection, and public education—without raising tax rates for existing residents and businesses.
In addition to the CivicPlus facility, Manhattan will see another significant boost beginning in 2028, when the downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district is expected to return to the tax rolls. Current estimates project an additional $3–$4 million in annual revenue for local taxing jurisdictions.
“Strategic development investments are about long-term success,” said Jason Smith, President & CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. “These projects demonstrate how intentional partnerships can help fund the kind of community services and quality of life residents expect in Manhattan, Kansas.”