Given the weakened economy and the competitive nature of today’s economic development environment, there is a clear need to fully assess Kansas City’s challenges and opportunities. The City is producing a holistic strategy that aligns and unifies its efforts with those under way at the Kansas City Area Development Council, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and other partner organizations. This AdvanceKC strategy works to provide customized recommendations for future public policy and establish an appropriate plan for decisions about capital investments, job creation, economic sustainability and local partnerships.

The key components to the project include:

Competitive Snapshot

In today’s adverse economic climate, it is important that City officials and stakeholders have an honest appraisal of current trends affecting the City of Kansas City’s local economy. The Competitive Snapshot takes a detailed look at a diverse array of indicators that impact Kansas City’s economic competitiveness and compares these trends to three benchmark communities – Indianapolis, Oklahoma City and Charlotte – the state of Missouri and the nation. While the project is focused solely on the City, the snapshot looks at regional trends to gain a broader perspective of the complex components factoring into the City’s competitiveness. To supplement the statistical data from local, state and national agencies, the Competitive Snapshot also includes public input through focus groups, interviews and an online community survey to give local context and better inform the AdvanceKC Economic Development Strategic Plan.

AdvanceKC Economic Development Strategic Plan

The AdvanceKC strategy represents the culmination of all the quantitative and qualitative research to date through the development of detailed action items geared toward addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities for a visionary future. The Strategic Plan has been driven by community stakeholders guiding public, private and civic efforts and investment aimed at placing Kansas City’s economy on surer footing. The plan supports innovative best practices that have been successfully implemented by communities from around the country. Where possible, the Strategic Plan incorporates the numerous planning research and efforts already underway in Kansas City. The Strategic Plan was adopted by the City Council in November 2012.

In addition to the Strategic Plan, AdvanceKC led to the creation of multiple new processes and guidelines:

May 2014- AdvanceKC Scorecard  and AdvanceKC Scorecard Map

January 2014- AdvanceKC Economic Development and Incentives Policy

May 2016- Shared Success Fund and Incentive Cap Ordinance

Implementation Guidelines

A plan, no matter how visionary, is only valuable when it is implemented. The Implementation Guidelines represent a road map for City officials and its implementation partners to ensure the AdvanceKC plan is realized in a timely and effective manner. The Implementation Guidelines enable the City of Kansas City to secure early implementation victories and continue to build momentum toward creating positive change in the city.

Contact

For AdvanceKC questions or further information, please contact:

Kerrie Tyndall
Assistant City Manager
(816) 513-6539

Greg Flisram
Interim President & CEO of the EDC
(816) 691-2122

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