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Stay connected to Kansas City's economic pulse with our newsletter, highlighting the people, projects, and progress driving our city forward.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

This month, EDCKC hosted a leadership update event to celebrate recent wins and address plans for the future.

After being in the role for a little over a year, I’m pleased to say we’ve made great progress, but we still have work to be done.


When I took the role, I needed to understand the organization’s capabilities and the relationship with the Board, the City, and our communities. I’m pleased to report that I was quickly impressed by a dynamic staff, and a truly committed Board. While we have encountered unexpected challenges, now more than ever, we’re driven to help solve the challenges facing Kansas City, Missouri. 


As the city’s EDC, we have a unique role in convening community partners to address the most pressing issues, including creating pathways to affordable housing, bolstering business attraction and strengthening support for entrepreneurs.


On a personal note, I’ve been fortunate to be involved with a variety of organizations throughout KC, and as the CEO of EDCKC, I recognize the great responsibility that comes with the role we play in the region. While we have great powers, we can’t do it alone. Our relationships with civic leaders, stakeholders and people like you are critical for driving economic prosperity for the community. I want to thank you in advance for sharing your ideas, your insights, your concerns with me or our staff.


Sincerely,

Tracey Lewis

BY THE NUMBERS

Department Highlights

Announced Business Development Projects for Fiscal Year '22–'23 (not including pipeline projects):

  • Capital expenses by new or expanding businesses: $329M
  • Jobs created: 920
  • Average new job wage: $83,204


Entrepreneurship Highlights Since 2016:

  • Jobs created via LaunchKC: 950
  • Startup follow-on investment: $420 million
  • Percent of startups that are women and/or minority led: 67%


Real Estate Development Highlights for Fiscal Year '22–'23:

  • 8 multifamily/commercial project approvals
  • $250M in investment
  • Creation of the East Kansas City Urban Renewal Area
  • 163 single family tax abatements

CHANGING LIVES ONE HOME AT A TIME

In partnership with the City, the EDCKC team has helped improve the lives of local Kansas Citians via the Heart of the City Neighborhood TIF program. By implementing multiple assistance tools, the collective team has been able to support with interior and exterior home repairs in designated areas across the City including: replacing siding, adding lighting, gutters, HVAC units, electrical repairs, and more. 


Applicants of the program, like Calvin and Deborah Ward, have been very appreciative: “The Heart of the City Neighborhood Program is a God send. It is a very worthy program that persons of retirement age really need because of improvements needed to their residences and the lack of funds.”

TEAM UPDATES

Congratulations to these EDCKC team members on their promotions.

Steven Anthony, Vice President of Business Development

Dan Moye, Vice President of Land Development

Heather Brown, Vice President of Administration and Executive Director of the TIF Commission & IDA

Welcome to Regina Sosa. Regina recently joined EDCKC as Capital Access Manager. In her role, Regina will be working to create a small business ecosystem promoting capital readiness and access to affordable starting capital. This project is a collaboration between EDCKC and the City of KCMO aiming to promote entrepreneurship and small business growth in the city. More details regarding the new capital programs coming soon.

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