2023 KCMO Consensus Agenda on Economic Development

MISSOURI PRIORITIES

Transportation & Infrastructure Funding

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 to promote both literacy and affordability. We believe in increasing funding for the Freight Enhancement Program and rail safety measures.

Workforce & Barriers to Entry

To support the need for expanded workforce and upskilling for the competitiveness of Missouri companies, and also to help address barriers for many individuals to enter/re-enter the workplace, we support measures such as training, re-skilling, incentives for retirees to return to work, Missouri One Start, A+ scholarships, second chance hiring, training for transitioning inmates, reliable transit to work centers, and addressing the attainability of both childcare and early childhood education.

Funding Entrepreneurship

We support additional funding and regulatory reforms for entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, specifically for under-emphasized areas and populations. This includes retaining ongoing appropriations for LaunchKC, continued support for the R&D tax credit, funding for the Missouri Technology Corporation, and supporting the Keystone Innovation District and other entities that enable local entrepreneurs.

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 support legislation like the Missouri Non-Discrimination Act to create a more equitable and prosperous Missouri.

Attainable Housing

We support action to assist with the development of housing that is affordable, safe, and quality. Permanent and transitional housing are both needed. We support policy to enable first time home buying, local home ownership, and also long-term affordability. Retaining and growing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is vital.

Local Decision Making

Where feasible and appropriate, we support local decision making for incentive programs, taxes levied at the local level, and local issues in general.

Competitive State Economic Development Toolbox

We support continued state funding for assets in Kansas City which provide economic opportunity and benefit to the state of Missouri, and also a statewide incentive for international flights. We support the creation or modification of economic development tools including retaining LIHTC, and also revising the state’s Historic Tax Credit scoring formula, which unintentionally eliminates greater downtown Kansas City from being awarded the tax credit.

Support for K-12 Public Schools & Higher Education

We support accountable public schools and public charter schools, and area school boards and their right to local control. We oppose efforts to divert state or federal funds meant for public schools. We support efforts to better compensate teachers for better recruitment and retention outcomes. We recognize the strong link between quality public education and a diverse world-class workforce.

Gaming & Revenue

To protect jobs and local revenue, we oppose the passage of any legislation that permits the placement of video lottery terminals outside of casinos in home dock cities. We support the legalization of sports gaming to prevent further revenue losses to the state of Missouri.

FEDERAL PRIORITIES

Transportation + Infrastructure Funding

Support both traditional and innovative ways to address transportation, infrastructure, and flood control throughout Missouri, with fiscally proportional funding for Missouri and the KC region. This includes funding for transformative projects and also expanded digital access to promote both literacy and affordability. We believe in funding opportunities to enhance Missouri’s freight and logistics sector.

Federal Jobs in KC

Recognizing Kansas City as an ideal location for government operations, we support the addition of federal jobs in Kansas City.

Support for Housing

We support action to assist with the development of safe quality, and affordable housing. Permanent and transitional housing are both needed. Policy should be aimed at supporting first time home buying, local home ownership, and also long-term affordability. Retaining and growing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is vital.

2023 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

Legislative Committee

EDC Representatives

• Dr. Makini King – EDC Board Legislative Chair + UMKC
• Lee Barnes – KCMO City Council (NPD Committee Chair + EDC Board)
• 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

• Anne Jordan – KCMO - Office of the Mayor (Director of Policy)
• Kevin McManus – KCMO City Council (Chair of City Council Legal Review Committee)
• 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 & Jackson County
• Vickie Wolgast – South KC Chamber
• Adam Timmerman - KC Chamber of Commerce
• Pat Contreras – KC Chamber KCMO Affairs Committee + McCown Gordon Construction
• Eric Bergrud – KC Chamber Missouri State Affairs Chair + Park University
• Jon Stephens – PortKC
• Bill Dietrich - Downtown Council
• Terri Barr – KCATA
• Mark Coulter – Rouse, Frets, White, Goss Law Firm
• Dr. Melissa Hazley – UMKC & CCED
• Clyde McQueen – Full Employment Council
• Matt Haase – UMKC
• Jenny Johnston – Northland Chamber
• David Slater – Clay County EDC
• Tina Chance – Platte County EDC