Economic Development

The Linwood location was the first Costco in metro Kansas City and quickly became a retail hub. It generated millions in tax revenue for nearby housing. Now, the company is converting the store into one of its Costco Business Centers, focused on restaurant, small shop and office supplies, to open next spring.

Kansas City's plan to pay back the $600 million it will borrow for or spend on the Royals stadium at Crown Center relies on tax revenue that wouldn’t exist without the new ballpark.

Data centers that power AI are exploding across the Midwest — and so is opposition to them. Now, people across the political spectrum want to see stricter regulation and more transparency.

Big tech companies are facing formidable opposition from a coalition of people across the political spectrum. Meanwhile, local elected officials find themselves scrambling to draft regulations and defend themselves against accusations of secrecy.

The city council approved a plan to repeal the city’s 45-year-old Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program after a lawsuit from Missouri’s attorney general alleged discrimination against white men. Business owners want input on the new small-business program meant to replace it.

Question 3 on the Aug. 4 election asks Kansas City voters to extend the 1/8-cent Central City Economic Development tax that helps fund projects in the urban core.

After opening this spring, the Rock Island Bridge development over the Kansas River welcomed scores of soccer fans for World Cup watch parties. The development is planning to host more festivals, public art, expanded historical programming and new retail opportunities.

A new tax credit could help fill financial gaps for projects and ease housing shortages in the region. The office buildings must be in a downtown or central business district area, and 25 years or older, but converting them into apartments isn't cheap.

The city will negotiate a deal with the team, which will give hundreds of millions in incentives so the Current can further develop the riverfront.

Projects like the Royals’ proposed ballpark at Crown Center and the Current’s riverfront stadium expansion could receive additional city and state funding through the MODESA program.

Some Kansans are spooked by data centers as the likelihood of the state hosting more big tech facilities is rising. One positive to all the hullabaloo? Heightened civic engagement early in local proceedings.

A plan to renovate the Country Club Plaza is being reviewed by the Kansas City Council. Some neighbors and historic preservation advocates have concerns.