Ingram's April 2023

In February, the first flights arrived at the new single-terminal KCI, a glittering $1.5 billion facility built on the footprint of the former airport’s Terminal A. Over the past year, we’ve witnessed the ground-breaking Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion electric-vehicle battery plant in Johnson County, the emergence of multi-billion-dollar data center farms, earned host city status for the NFL’s 2023 draft this month, as well as the prized host city status for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, an event already regarded as potentially the biggest sporting event in the city’s history, and one that will truly thrust Kansas City onto a world stage. “Kansas City has no idea of the in credible impact that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have on our region,” says Tim Cowden, CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “It will be the most impactful event in our city’s long and storied history. This is KC’s moment to create a legacy of how we want to be known to the world for generations to come. It really is that big and with those stakes at play.” Most recently, Downtown has been the focus of attention as the Kansas City Royals consider locations in their quest to replace Kauffman Stadium. On an impressive number of levels, then, all eyes are indeed on Kansas City. Like those in charge back in the early ’70s, civic and business leaders would be

we l l within its rights to pause for a moment of self congratula tion.

eye s of the NFL and sports world will be fixed solely

With the new KCI up and running, Cowden says, new oppor tunities beckon to attract companies that increasingly are looking for new homes in high-tax, high-regula- tion states. “We know that KCI and robust commercial flight options are a key factor in our ability to attract new companies to the region and for those here to grow,” Cowden said. The airport’s opening, coming just weeks before the NFL draft, creates additional civic momentum.

on our region. Our region’s star is going to shine brightly as we show the thousands who will be here in person or the millions watching the telecast what an amazing place KC is to live and work.” To that end, he said, the KCADC team is hosting a number of customers here around the draft. “We can’t wait to showcase the excitement that our region has for the event and allow them to see first-hand the transformation that KC is experiencing,” Cowden said. The only missed opportunity among this embarrassment of riches might be the disruption along Main Street that visitors will have to circumnavigate as the streetcar expansion continues. A functioning system during draft week would have been icing on a very big cake,

“The draft,” Cowden said, “is another huge moment and opportunity for Kansas City. While we

already enjoy a lot of attention because of the success of the Chiefs, the

GAME CHANGERS | Above: A rendering of what a Downtown stadium for the Kansas City Royals might look like. A number of locations around the central business district are under consideration. Left: Constuction is already under way on the $70 million riverfront home of the women’s pro soccer team, the Kansas City Current.

25

I ngr am ’ s

Kansas City’s Business Media

April 2023