How do we really know if the Kansas City metro is advancing economically? We measure it.
KC Rising created the Horizon Goals metrics framework to measure the economic progress of our region, providing insight and action to grow the economy for everyone.
These economic measures are most valuable when put into context – the KC region is performing to what standard? In our previous metrics regime, KC Rising benchmarked against 30 peer markets based on population size – 15 smaller and 15 larger. It was helpful to see a year-over-year change, but 30 peers were too many to answer the question “why?” Why are they excelling or declining compared to Kansas City?
A smaller comparison would better support our region’s efforts, so KC Rising is now measuring the economic progress of our metro against benchmark metros. These markets are a set of cities that are seeing more growth in one or more of the Horizon Goals metric areas.
The analysis began with 100 cities over one million in population, and was narrowed to the metros performing better in growing the economy for everyone. A final list of 10 cities was selected taking into consideration the metros the KC region tends to compete against in business recruitment efforts. This group of benchmark metros will stretch our region, providing important context for our own economic growth – is KC rising?
KC Rising’s benchmark metros include:
- Austin
- Charlotte
- Cincinnati
- Columbus
- Denver
- Indianapolis
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- Portland
- Raleigh