Area Development: 2012 Review & 2013 Preview

While the announcement that Swedish furniture retailer Ikea was the big story in area development for 2012 for its many fans in the metro, there was a lot more news about business growth the past year.

 In the second part of Wednesday's Up to Date, Kansas City Star reporter Kevin Collison is back to discuss with Steve Kraske the major development stories of the past year.  From the arrival of Wal-Mart in Mission that shocked some to the rebuilt new office complex on the Plaza to no apparent slowdown in the border war despite what politicians and business leaders said.  We also examine the role the federal government plays as the area's  largest employer.

Then we look to the year ahead.  As metropolitan areas continue to be the economic engine for the country, we ask what form of city government will be needed in the 21st Century and what it will have to provide to attract people to live, work, and pursue business opportunities in the greater Kansas City area.