Clay County Presiding Commissioner Pam Mason opened the State of the City luncheon with a promise to continue recent successes.

New Projects, Business Fill Clay County Cities

Projects ranging from basic infrastructure to imaginative “cities within cities” were among highlights outlined April 14 during the Clay County State of the City luncheon.

Leaders from Excelsior Springs, Gladstone, Kansas City, Kearney, Liberty, North Kansas City and Smithville reported new developments, redevelopment of historic areas, high-tech initiatives and more.

EDC Chair Elect Tony Reinhart noted that the reports were especially dramatic considering the nation’s economy. Clay County led the successful effort to retain more than 3,000 jobs at the Claycomo Ford plant that resulted in a $400 million in new investment.

More recently, EDC affiliate Midwest Small Business Finance was recently named the best certified development company in the nation. The latest Department of Labor report shows Clay County wages increased at the eighth highest rate of the 326 major counties in the nation. The same report lists Clay County sixth in terms of percentage of wage growth.

“We all should take great pride in these accomplishments,” Reinhart added, “while remembering that it is a combination of teamwork and cooperation that creates an environment where we all can be successful.”

New Smithville City Manager Steven Garrett led the community presentations. He cited several projects in that community. A major trend includes the 1.8 million visitors a year who use nearby Smithville Lake.

North Kansas City Development Director Jeff Samborski reported older industrial buildings throughout that community are being restored for surprisingly high-tech businesses. One of the most exciting potential developments is a new, multi-use project proposed in former industrial property along the newly rebuilt I-35/I-29 corridor.

Kearney Mayor Bill Dane had much to talk about with one of the metropolitan region’s fastest growing cities. Among his highlights were new and expanding business announcements that will increase jobs there.

Kansas City’s Mike Kirchhoff noted that much of his city’s growth is most evident in Clay County, where new subdivisions and commercial growth lead the rest of the multi-county city. Among the most dramatic upcoming projects involves infrastructure progress at Highway 169 and I-435 where up to 75,000 people will eventually be able to reside.

Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson noted diverse development there includes continued retail construction in the Liberty Triangle adjacent to I-35.

Gladstone Mayor Barry McCullough outlined another one of Clay County’s more dramatic redevelopments: the Village Center plan that envisions residential and commercial development in a new Gladstone “downtown.”

Excelsior Springs Public Works Director Nick Pappas also cited diverse development. Projects there range from commercial construction on the city’s west side, along Highway 69, as well as continued redevelopment in the community’s historic downtown.

The announcements began with a special presentation Clay County Presiding Commissioner Pam Mason. Mason cited several recent successes, including the announcement by Ford Motor Company to continue work at the Claycomo plant, and vowed to further expand successful job creation and retention.