Independence, Kansas — The City of Independence has been selected as one of just 10 rural communities nationwide to participate in Welcoming America’s Rural Welcoming Initiative (RWI) for 2026, a competitive national program supporting rural communities as they strengthen welcoming and inclusion efforts.
Welcoming America is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that works with communities across the country to foster environments where everyone can belong and thrive, including immigrants and newcomers. Through peer learning, research-based strategies, and technical support, the organization helps local governments and partners build trust, strengthen local economies, and celebrate diversity. More information is available at the Welcoming America website.
Through the Rural Welcoming Initiative, the City of Independence will partner with Independence Main Street and the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity Task Force, along with other local organizations, to learn best practices for engaging diverse populations and strengthening community connections.
Much of the City’s interest in the initiative emerged from day-to-day interactions within the Utility Billing and Clerk’s Office, where staff are often the first to assist new residents.
“Through everyday conversations with new residents, Tamara Kolbinskie and Jessica Jaimes began asking new questions about how we welcome people into our community,” said Lacey Lies, Finance Director for the City of Independence. “Jessica’s initiative to assist our Spanish-speaking residents, in particular, highlighted opportunities for us to learn more and continue improving—work that ultimately led us to pursue this program.”
Kolbinskie has been selected to serve as the City of Independence’s representative in the Rural Welcoming Initiative, reflecting her interest in continuing to learn and support welcoming efforts in the community.
Participation in the program will provide access to technical assistance and coaching, a free Welcoming America membership, ongoing learning opportunities, and an invitation to attend the Rural Welcoming Gathering in April in Emporia, Kansas, where communities will convene to share strategies and experiences related to rural inclusion.
Emporia, Kansas, is currently the first and only city in the state to earn Welcoming America’s Certified Welcoming designation. Independence’s participation in the Rural Welcoming Initiative represents an important step in expanding welcoming efforts within rural Kansas.
For more information about the City of Independence’s participation in the Rural Welcoming Initiative, please contact the City of Independence.
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City of Independence
Independence, Kansas