2024 KCADC Annual Meeting highlights $1.8B of new investment across the region

The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting last week, drawing over 2,000 civic and business leaders to celebrate a year of robust regional growth and strategic industry advancements. Under the theme “FLEX,” the event underscored the region’s adaptability as a cornerstone of its success. It highlighted achievements in the Kansas City metro area, including 18 counties across Kansas and Missouri.

Record-Breaking Investments and Job Creation

This year, KCADC and its partners secured commitments from 16 companies, resulting in $1.8 billion in capital investments, nearly 1,500 new jobs, $104.7 million in wages, and 2.3 million SF of new development. These milestones reflect Kansas City’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation and opportunity.

Google’s $1 billion data center in Kansas City, Mo., was among the most notable investments in 2024. Alongside its infrastructure project, Google committed to advancing sustainability by adding 400 megawatts of carbon-free energy to the grid. The company also demonstrated a strong community focus, contributing $100,000 to the North Kansas City School District’s STEM initiatives and announcing an additional $120,000 investment to strengthen STEM programs in Kansas City Public Schools.

Strengthening Global Recognition

Increased media attention has bolstered Kansas City’s growing reputation. Over 630 stories spotlight its economic wins and quality-of-life benefits, reaching an estimated 1.25 billion people globally and enhancing the region’s visibility on the international stage.

KCADC President and CEO Tim Cowden emphasized the importance of leveraging this momentum for future growth, attributing the success to a unified regional vision.

Keynote and Awards

Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and a best-selling author, delivered the keynote address, offering actionable insights into how simplification can drive efficiency and amplify impact. Her message resonated with attendees, providing tools to help businesses streamline operations and focus on meaningful work.

KCADC has also received accolades for its efforts to promote the region. The organization earned two gold medals from the International Economic Development Council, recognizing its KC Options Magazine and the “KC Design Draft” campaign for excellence in economic development marketing.

Building for the Future

As Kansas City continues to grow, leaders across industries remain focused on fostering a resilient and inclusive economy. From groundbreaking investments in infrastructure and education to enhanced global recognition, the region is poised for sustained success.

The KCADC Annual Meeting reinforced the importance of flexibility and collaboration in shaping the future, ensuring Kansas City remains a leader in innovation and a magnet for talent and investment.

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Header image: Board of Directors incoming co-chair and Evergy President/CEO, David Campbell speaks at the 2024 KCADC Annual Meeting. Image courtesy of the Kansas City Area Development Council

Placemaking in a post-COVID world

As we wrap up the final weeks of 2020, I’m optimistic for the year ahead. Undoubtedly, COVID has disrupted the world, but the regions that continue to adapt and make the best of tough circumstances will see long-term success.

The Kansas City region is at a pivotal moment, and in 2021 it’s our opportunity to rise to the occasion. The impact of COVID hit big cities hard, serving as the push that many needed to say goodbye to sky-high costs and densely-packed living arrangements. When you can work from anywhere, why not somewhere that offers the same big-city amenities and more room to roam?

As companies evaluate office spaces, reprioritize benefits and continue to offer remote work options post-pandemic, traditional talent recruitment strategies will further morph into something new.

It’s no surprise that remote work has changed the placemaking game. In fact, due to the urban exodus, Kansas City has seen a 3.9% population inflow compared to last year during the same time period (April - August 2020).

What makes KC so attractive? You don’t have to think too hard to understand why we’re seeing an uptick of individuals from across the U.S. making their way to our region. KC Heartland offers high quality of life at a fraction of the hassle or cost. Not to mention, we’re consistently ranked as a top place to live and work. Check out a few of this year’s most relevant accolades:

No. 1 Best City for Remote Workers, Business Insider, March 2020

Great American City for Creatives, Thrillist, May 2020

Best Business Climate, Business Facilities, August 2020

These rankings, along with many others, help tell our region’s story. Moving forward, talent will care less about shallow work perks and more about what really matters, work/life integration. In a society where priorities have had to shift to accommodate the demands of employees’ personal and professional lives, regions that proactively elevate their diverse mix of lifestyle amenities, showcase the individuals who call their community home, and highlight the abundance of job opportunities will outpace their peers.

The growth and development of our region over the last several years has set the stage for KC to step up big in 2021. The KC Heartland campaign has been hard at work the past 12 months showcasing the best of our region to the world, and we’re looking forward to taking its efforts to the next level in 2021.

KC Heartland will continue to introduce or reintroduce the Kansas City region to individuals, and now also proactively share key content to help drive someone’s decision to relocate personally or for business.

At KCADC, we continue to add engaging content to our talent attraction toolkit. Our most recent sizzle video is all about making the choice to live and work in KC and our annual publication, KC Options magazine has readership in more than 80 countries.

Want to learn more or even help share the love? You can sign up to be a KC Heartland Ambassador to start spreading the KC message to your own networks. Selling our region is a team sport, after all.

Tim Cowden is the president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). The organization serves the 18-county, two-state Kansas City area by marketing the region's business and lifestyle assets to companies around the world. Working closely with its two states, and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 60,000 new jobs over its 40-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort and TeamKC. | thinkKC.com