I’ve called Manhattan home for over 20 years—raising a family, supporting young athletes at K-State, and embracing the community spirit that makes this town so special.

Now, I’m running for City Commission to give back by supporting all residents and families, strengthening local institutions, and ensuring that Manhattan continues to be one of the best places to live, learn, and grow.

Get to know more about me here ➜

Affordability.

  1. Affordable Housing

    Prioritize increasing the availability and quality of affordable housing, particularly for our city’s workforce and lower-income populations; emphasize Mixed-Use and Medium-Density housing projects.

  2. Support For Local Businesses

    Promote increased revenue and job creation by implementing policies that allow our local businesses to prosper and, in turn, contribute to and sustain our community’s economic health and civic identity.

  3. Smart Spending

    Assess the overall value of services and projects to ensure the best return-on-investment, guided by a resident-centric perspective that prioritizes the needs of the community as a whole. Improve transparency in spending decisions.

Infrastructure.

  1. Road Maintenance

    Address road issues in a timely and cost-effective manner. Improve the usability and performance of the City’s “Report It!” app, with particular attention to providing quicker responses to reports of potholes on neighborhood as well as main streets.

  2. Flood Mitigation

    Prioritize methods to reduce rainwater runoff to avoid recurring flooding events through incentives and development standards to allow for improved retention and drainage of rainwater with less impact on the environment.

  3. Energy Efficiency

    Continue to support ATA Bus in its ongoing efforts to develop a more effective and equitable public transit system throughout the City. Promote and support renewable energy initiatives and facilitate funding for long-term energy efficiency improvements.

Community Building.

  1. Inclusiveness

    Promote community initiatives and activities that are inclusive and welcoming to all residents.

  2. Interaction

    Develop and enhance public spaces where residents can gather and interact.

  3. Collaboration

    Involve community individuals and groups to celebrate our local history, utilize public art, and engage our community centers and schools to foster a thriving and inclusive environment.

Mark Your Calendars!

Advanced Voting Begins

Last Chance To Request Mail Ballot

Election Day

About Me.

Hello, I’m Martha Sweeney, and I am a candidate for Manhattan City Commissioner.

For over 20 years, I’ve been proud to call Manhattan home. Since moving here in 2003 with my husband Patrick, then newly appointed as Head Coach for K-State Women’s Rowing, I’ve seen firsthand how special this town is. It’s where we raised our daughter, built lasting friendships, and where I’ve spent the past two decades supporting young athletes as the Office and Operations Manager for the Women’s Rowing Team.

Before Manhattan, my journey took me from a small town in Northern California to Cambridge, England, and back again. I studied Genetics at UC Berkeley, earned my Master’s in Plant Breeding at the University of Cambridge, and had the honor of representing the U.S. in the Lightweight Women’s Four at the World Rowing Championships. The sport of rowing has shaped my life in countless ways — teaching me discipline, perseverance, and the value of working together toward a common goal. It’s that same spirit of teamwork that I see every day here in Manhattan and that I would bring to the City Commission.

Whether I’m helping organize rowing team logistics, cheering on the ‘Cats, or competing in MHK league tennis, my heart is rooted here in the Little Apple. I know Manhattan not just as a long-time resident, employee and parent, but as someone who deeply values the kind of community our city encompasses. One that’s welcoming, family-focused, and full of people who care.

Now, I’m running for City Commission to give back to the place that’s provided so much to me and my family. I’m passionate about supporting all residents and families, strengthening local institutions, and ensuring that Manhattan continues to be one of the best places to live, learn, and grow.

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Get Involved.

Whether you’re interested in joining the campaign, learning more about me, or just chatting about community life — I’d love to hear from you!

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