Spring 2006 issue of Horizons

FEATURE ARTICLE

Kansas City Outlook

The reality of economic development is that we are engaged in a daily process of elimination. Corporate decision makers are regularly searching for reasons to shorten their list of options when considering places to expand or relocate their business. A two-state region, like the Kansas City area, with 18 different counties and more than 50 major communities, can appear to outsiders an insurmountable obstacle to the attraction of major corporate investment and jobs. In Kansas City, however, we've turned this challenge into incredible opportunity. By creating a stronger regional partnership across state, county and city lines through the development of the OneKC branding campaign, the Kansas City region has improved its ability to compete - resulting in the attraction of more than 4,200 new jobs, $184 million in new capital investment and $166 million in added payroll since 2004. This success, paired with the unprecedented $7 billion development boom taking place in the region, presents Kansas City with a once-in-a-generation opportunity. As we look to the future, it's critical that we seize our great- est opportunities for continued economic growth. The national media have been relentless in their reports of our nation's inability to compete in the global marketplace. By elevating and supporting industries in which we already excel, as well as preparing our future workforce to better compete, Kansas City has already begun to lay the groundwork for a prosperous and exciting future.

Economic Development in the Kansas City Region

Robert J. Marcusse President and CEO Kansas City Area Development Council

11 • spring 2006 issue