It'll be at least two more months before city officials learn if Kansas City has impressed the right people and secured a bid for the 2016 Republican National Convention.
The RNC site selection committee wrapped up its tour of top contenders last week – Cleveland, Dallas and Denver are also still in the running – and is giving the cities a chance to respond to any questions that came up during the visits.
Mayor Sly James says so far, the RNC hasn't asked for anything Kansas City hasn't been able to provide.
"They're looking for a backdrop that will set their story up right," says James, who spoke Wednesday at the Kansas City Young Republicans' monthly meeting. "It's like a play. They want the right scenery, they want the right attitude, they want the right images."
Pat Macy sits on the executive board for the Kansas City Young Republicans.
"We have a city that's welcoming of it," says Macy. "We have a great infrastructure to support it. Our hotel and restaurant associations are ready to support it. I think our chances are really good."
The Kansas City Bid Task Force has already secured $30 million in pledges to pay for the convention, about half of what hosting would ultimately cost. James says conservative estimates put the revenue the city could earn from the convention at $250 million.
It's likely the RNC will move forward with two cities to see who can produce the most viable contract, says James. A decision is expected in August.
