2025 KCMO Consensus Agenda on Economic Development

MISSOURI PRIORITIES

Transportation & Infrastructure Funding

We support both traditional and innovative ways to address transportation and infrastructure throughout Missouri, with fiscally proportional funding for the KC region. This includes funding for transformative projects and also expanded digital access. We believe in increasing funding for the Freight Enhancement Program and rail safety measures.

Workforce, Barriers to Entry & Childcare Assistance

For Missouri’s economic competitiveness, we support upskilling and expanding the workforce. Investing in our workforce requires increased investment in career and technical education. We support addressing the attainability of both childcare and early childhood education, addressing barriers to entry for individuals to enter/re-enter the workplace, training dollars, apprenticeships, and re-skilling, Missouri One Start, A+ scholarships, second chance hiring, training for transitioning inmates, measures to enable Missourians with disabilities to better access the workforce, and reliable transit to work centers.

Entrepreneurship

We support funding and regulatory reforms to support entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, specifically for under-emphasized areas and populations. This includes retaining state funding for LaunchKC, continued support for the R&D tax credit, creating an Angel Investment tax credit, building a downtown innovation district, and increased funding and support for the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC).

Competitive Economic Development Toolbox

We support state funding for assets in Kansas City which provide economic opportunity. This includes continued funding for the Missouri Partnership. We support the creation or modification of impactful economic development tools. It is essential to increase state funding for mega site preparation, address issues with both the payment bond requirement and also fines related to special taxing districts, and extend the amateur athletics tax credit. We also support legislation to increase responsible energy capacity and decrease service timelines in a cost-effective manner that preserves rates for consumers.

Funding for Catalytic Projects and Retaining both the Chiefs & Royals

We support state funding for projects and large regional events that will drive economic activity. We support projects such as a downtown baseball stadium, retaining the Chiefs, the South Loop, KC BioHub, 2026 World Cup, Northland Streetcar expansion, the I-29 + I-35 intersection, Greenline, UMKC Health Sciences District, Keystone Innovation District, arts funding, 587 plan, Missouri River Terminal, and resources to bring additional international flights to Kansas City.

Opposing Discriminatory Legislation

We oppose discriminatory legislation, which would detrimentally impact economic development and also Missouri’s ability to attract businesses, sporting events, tourism, & conventions. We believe a welcoming approach only strengthens Missouri’s ability to attract talent, grow jobs, and create a more vibrant state.

Housing

We support traditional and innovative ways to address Missouri’s growing housing shortage to ultimately see increased development of housing that is affordable, safe, and quality for all Missourians. We encourage a statewide housing needs assessment. Permanent and transitional housing are both needed. We support policy to enable first time home buying, increase state housing resources, local home ownership, and also long-term affordability. Retaining and growing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is vital.

Local Decision Making

We support local decision making for incentive programs, local taxes, and local economic development issues. We support extending the renewal timeframe for the earnings tax.

Support for K-12 Public Schools & Higher Education

We support accountable public schools, public charter schools, and area school boards retaining their local control. We oppose efforts to divert state or federal funds meant for public schools. We support adequate funding levels, particularly to follow through on SB 727 (2024). We recognize the strong link between quality public K-12 & higher education and a world-class workforce.

2025 Consensus Agenda PARTNERS

• City of Kansas City, Missouri
• Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
• The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City
• Platte County Economic Development Council
• Kansas City Industrial Council
• Visit KC
• Downtown Council
• Evergy
• Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce
• University of Missouri - Kansas City
• Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
• Full Employment Council
• PortKC
• South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
• Clay County EDC
• Dodson Industrial Association
• Blue Valley Industrial Association
• Northeast Industrial Association
• Historic West Bottoms
• Spire
• Swope Industrial Association
• The Builders, A Chapter of the AGC
• Keystone Innovation District
• Downtown Neighborhood Association
• Planned Industrial Expansion Authority
• Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority
• KC Tech Council
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Legislative Committee

EDC Representatives

• Bridgette Williams – EDC Board Chair & Heavy Constructors Association
• Dr. Makini King – EDC Board Legislative Chair & UMKC
• Tammy Henderson –EDC Board or Directors & North KC Schools
• McClain Bryant-Macklin – EDC Board of Directors & Health Forward Foundation
• Tracey Lewis – President & CEO
• Jim Erickson – Director of Strategic Initiatives

Partner Organizations

• Reid Day - KCMO - Office of the Mayor
• Megan Crook – KC Civic Council
• Salvatore Panettiere – City’s State Lobbyist
• Matt Roney –City’s Federal Lobbyist
• Doug Stone – Lewis Rice & MEDFA
• Teresa Martinez – VisitKC
• Theresa Garza – Spire Energy
• Zac Sweets – Evergy
• Vickie Wolgast – South KC Chamber
• Cathy Bennett - KC Chamber of Commerce
• Pat Contreras – McCown Gordon Construction & KC Chamber KCMO Affairs Chair
• Eric Bergrud – Park University & KC Chamber Missouri State Affairs Chair
• Jon Stephens – PortKC
• Bill Dietrich - Downtown Council
• Terri Barr – KC Area Transit Authority
• Mark Coulter – Rouse, Frets, White, Goss Law Firm
• Clyde McQueen – Full Employment Council
• Matt Haase – UMKC
• Jenny Johnston – Northland Chamber of Commerce
• David Slater – Clay County EDC
• Tina Chace – Platte County EDC
• Kamera Meaney – University Health
• Lauren Palmer – Mid America Regional Council
• Allen Dillingham – The Builders Association
• Nate Maden – Health Forward Foundation
• Tina Chance – Platte County EDC