Economic Development

Past

Sedgwick County was established in 1867 and was named after Civil War hero John Sedgwick of the Union Army.  Early Sedgwick County residents ran a gamut of hot winds, cold winters, drought, grasshoppers, jack rabbits, boom, bust, oil and wheat.  These elements combined to toughen the hardy souls who built and, subsequently, inhabited it.  Today, the county has more than 470,000 inhabitants making it the most populous of Kansas' 105 counties.

Business history fun fact: Sedgwick County was home to the first Pizza Hut.

Present

Today, Sedgwick County business owners face a different set of challenges, but are equipped with a range of support services. 

Sedgwick County is best described as a community dedicated to a diversified workforce and leading-edge development to create and sustain a thriving economy.  The business landscape is dotted with small businesses, large corporations and much more in between.

Future

Sedgwick County continues to join the ranks of the nation's top markets while pledging to continue supporting local business through community coordination and innovative partnerships.