In November 2012, the voters of Riley County renewed the 10-year 0.5% sales tax for Roads and Jobs. Due to the sales tax being a Riley County Tax, the City of Manhattan only receives 61 percent of the proceeds (approximately $3.1 million annually). By resolution, the City Commission has committed that 65% (approximately $2 million annually) of the proceeds to be available to continue the economic development investment strategy through traditional incentives as well as infrastructure projects, and 35% (approximately $1.1 million annually) for property tax relief through debt reduction.

Twenty percent (20%) of the Economic Recovery and Relief sales tax revenue, which passed on the November 3, 2020 election, estimated at $13 million over the 10 year period - will be dedicated to job creation. This will include recruitment, retention, and expansion of businesses in Manhattan.