Economic Development

Kansas City’s new streetcar has spurred the construction of more than 1,400 new apartment units along Main Street since 2017. These are some of the highlights, including historic renovations and new buildings.

More than 1,000 bills have been introduced in the Missouri General Assembly this session, but only a few will get passed and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Housing, taxes and right-to-work proposals are all on the table.

Kansas leaders from both sides of the aisle stepped inside the $4 billion plant in De Soto to celebrate its imminent opening.

The proposed project at the corner of 119th Street and Renner Boulevard centers around an 18-acre, "ultra accessible" amusement park, a 5,000-seat multi-sport complex, and a hotel.

The popular gas station and travel center will be located near the Kansas Speedway. Construction is slated to start in May 2025.

Mac Properties will receive a 15-year tax incentive after approval from the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority. Midtown residents and Kansas City Public Schools criticized a tax break for a development that doesn't include affordable housing, while Mac and supporters said it could ease housing pressures and bring new life to the area.

Residents in De Soto, Kansas, are being affected by major infrastructure improvements spurred by the construction of a Panasonic battery plant. With $250 million in public works projects underway, community members are experiencing "construction fatigue," but city leaders say they're already seeing a return on investment from construction of the 300-acre battery factory.

A New York developer plans to renovate several historic buildings into apartments and office space, in addition to new construction. The city has provided millions in tax breaks and financing to make the project possible.

Kansas City's iconic outdoor shopping center has faced multiple challenges under its previous ownership, including high turnover and crime. The new owners run a successful shopping mall similar to the Plaza in Texas.

Over the past 70 years, Kansas City has tried to fill its empty riverfront with a baseball stadium, an aquarium, an office park and a marina. Now, the Berkley Riverfront is finally getting a makeover, centered around the new Current stadium.

The Royals' original plan was to place the team’s corporate offices and entertainment venues on Oak Street, which would close the main thoroughfare and demolish buildings that house about 10 businesses. The Royals intend to continue with that district development but will alter plans to keep Oak Street open. The Royals and the Chiefs also announced new stadium leases on Wednesday.

The deals from the teams come after months of fraught negotiations with Jackson County and community groups. The teams call the deals historic. Community groups and economists aren’t so sure.