Today’s Forecast

40º | Rain/snow mix | 98% chance of rain |
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m. | Sunset: 5:12 p.m.

KC leaders think KC’s time is now

Leaders think it’s the best time in KC’s history: here’s why

Business and development leaders gathered to discuss KC’s trajectory. | Photo by KCtoday

“This is absolutely the best time in the history of Kansas City. We’re living it. We’re part of it right now.”

That’s a quote from KCADC president and CEO Tim Cowden during the KC Market Forecast Summit, hosted by MetroWire Media. Tim moderated the panel, expressing excitement over several upcoming, city-changing projects + events.

Aside from events like the NFL Daft and the World Cup, here are three major takeaways from the panel, featuring local development and business leaders:

1. KC’s workforce is growing

As of December 2022, the Kansas City region had a 2.7% unemployment rate. That’s less than the national average of 3.4%. A big part of KC’s success comes from logistics and distribution jobs.

“The wages have increased dramatically,” Port KC CEO John Stephens said of distribution jobs. “We’re at the literal crossroads of transportation and access to the entire North American market.”

John noted that Port KC is also working with the Full Employment Council to deploy $2 million toward workforce development.

Photo of summit panel — MetroWire Media editor Lisa Shackelford introduces her panel.
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Photo by KCtoday

2. Transit infrastructure helping residents and tourists

Monica Enloe, with Clemons Real Estate, said the KC Streetcar extensions are spurring accessibility and development in Midtown and beyond.

“It also allows tourists to experience the sprawling geography Kansas City has to offer without ever having to rent a car,” Monica said.

Meanwhile, Erik Wullshleger of 3D Development mentioned the proposed Greenline as a form of multi-use transit.

Other recent investments include the new KCI terminal and KCMO’s new on-demand transit.

3. KC is winning at regionalism

Leaders said there’s power in metro-wide synergy — leaning into each neighborhood’s strengths ultimately helps the whole region. It’s the same idea as the downtown KCMO 2030 plan, but on a bigger scale.

One example given was KC Current’s facilities. The team built a training center in Riverside, but its stadium will be at Berkley Riverfront. Additionally, leaders said suburban cores are replicating urban downtowns — think: downtown OP. These investments provide more opportunities for businesses and residents.

QUIZ

How much money did sports bettors wager between January and November of 2022? (Source: Forbes)

A. $10 billion
B. $31 billion
C. $54 billion
D. $68 billion
E. $83 billion
F. $103 billion

Congratulations to Wendy A. for winning a $50 gift card to our online shop, Six & Main. Did you know you could be our next winner? Answer this week’s survey questions for a chance to score a gift card!

Answer here

Events

Monday, March 20

Archery Basics for Families | Monday, Mar. 20 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | North Kansas City YMCA, 1999 Iron St., North Kansas City, MO | Free | Learn about equipment, the shooting range, and all the ins and outs to get you started with archery.
Night at the Arboretum | Monday, Mar. 20 | 5-9 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum, 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park | $0-$3 | Bring your flashlights and get ready to gaze at the night sky during the spring equinox.
Fashion Mingle: Green Haute Edition | Monday, Mar. 20 | 6:30 p.m. | The Monarch Bar, 4808 Roanoke Pkwy., Kansas City, MO | $0+ | Mix and mingle with fellow fashionistas at this happy hour.

Tuesday, March 21

Hamilton | Tuesday, March 21-Sunday, April 2 | Times vary | Music Hall Kansas City | $49-$229 | Combine history with theater at this Tony award-winning musical about our country’s founding fathers.
Little Explorer’s Club + Horns to Hair: Keratin in Nature | Tuesday, Mar. 21, Thursday, Mar. 23, Saturday, Mar. 25 | 10:15-11 a.m. | Museum at Prairiefire, 5801 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS | $0-$5 | Curious kids can learn about the fibrous little protein that adorns Mother Nature with hair, horns, nails, hooves, shells, beaks, and feathers.

Wednesday, March 22

History on Tap: The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime | Wednesday, Mar. 22 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Shawnee Town Museum’s Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS | $5 | Explore the impact of the Negro Leagues on baseball with a complimentary brew in hand.

Thursday, March 23

Salsa Dancing Lessons | Thursday, Mar. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Weston Wine Company, 540 Main St., Weston, MO | $15 | This beginners lesson is geared for folks who have never touched salsa dancing in their lives (but want to get into the groove).

Friday, March 24

Friends of Chamber Music and Boston Camerata presents: Dido and Aeneas | Friday, Mar. 24 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Community Christian Church, 4601 Main St., Kansas City, MO | $25-$40 | Don’t miss Henry Purcell’s classic opera “Dido and Aeneas,” reimagined by the Boston Camerata, one of the nation’s most distinguished early music organizations.*

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

Click here to have your event featured.

100+ MORE EVENTS

News Notes

Weather

56º | Mostly sunny | 1% chance of rain
Aaaaaachoooo. If you’re wondering why your eyes are burning and your nose is itching, it’s officially pollen season. KC’s pollen and mold counts are recording high levels as poplar and juniper species warm up for spring. (FOX4)

Development

Rail company Kansas City Southern wants to redevelop a city-owned parking lot — at 1200 Broadway Blvd., KCMO — for what will likely be its new US headquarters. Federal regulators approved its $31 billion merger with Canadian Pacific. (Flatland)
Phase two of Johnson County Square construction begins this week. The $2.9 million greenspace project — next to the District Courthouse in Olathe — will include a memorial plaza, multipurpose stage, playground, and shade trees. (FOX4)

Sports

KU and Mizzou are out of March Madness, but K-State will advance to the Sweet Sixteen after defeating Kentucky, 75-69. Get your Wildcat gear and cheer on the team from Manhattan on Thursday, March 23. (FOX4)

Eat

Pop-up kitchen Tacos Valentina will officially set up shop on Wednesday, March 22 inside Torn Label Brewing Company — 1708 Campbell St., KCMO. The menu will include street tacos, plus, brewery faves like Belgian frites. (Kansas City Magazine)

Film

Kansas City FilmFest International is back at AMC Ward Parkway 14 for its 27th year from Sunday, March 26 to Wednesday, March 29. Festivities at include movie spotlights and a filmmakers meet and greet. Tickets are on sale, ranging $10-$45.

Environment

Kansas City Council approved an ordinance requiring developers to preserve existing trees on construction sites. It’s part of the city’s goal to increase the city’s tree canopy by 35%. Builders will have to pay a fee based on trunk diameter for each torn down tree. (KCUR)

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Shop

If your vacuum isn’t picking up dirt and debris like it used to, it may be time for a new one. This handheld Shark vacuum is lightweight, cordless, and highly rated on Amazon. Or splurge on the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum that sucks up particles as small as allergens and bacteria.
To celebrate the first day of spring, refresh your home with tea towels by Jessica Reynolds and find your city print by Signet Sealed. Now, that’s how you start the new season.

Seasonal

🌱 Happy first day of spring

Spring equinox in Kansas City

We’re ready for warmer temperatures and added daylight. | Photo via Pexels

Today marks the spring equinox (aka the first day of spring).

Technically speaking, it’s the day that the sun crosses the Earth’s equator from the Southern Hemisphere into the Northern Hemisphere. The shift marks the astronomical start of spring and days will become “longer” because there will be more time between sunrise and sunset.

Looking to celebrate the season? Head to our events page to see community events happening this week and beyond.

If you’re in the mood for some spring cleaning, here are the essentials we recommend:

🧽 Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

💧 Microfiber cleaning cloths

🧹 Duster kit

🍓 Refrigerator organizer bins

🧼 Spinning scrubber brush

Bonus: Hire a cleaning professional to tidy up your humble abode.

The Wrap

Today’s Edition By:
Travis

From the Editor

Who went to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday? In case your boss didn’t let you off, here’s a short video recapping of the sights and sounds. The upside of missing? You probably didn’t have frozen fingers.

Quiz Answer: E. $83 billion

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