Frequently Asked Questions
What is KC Rising?
KC Rising exists to achieve a shared vision of regional prosperity for all by aligning and accelerating community efforts for greatest impact. It is organized around the economic drivers of trade, ideas and people and incorporates enabling strategies of policy, place and inclusion. KC Rising is a community platform that provides connectivity to others working to the same ends, a coalition of supporters and support, and celebration of progress and accomplishment. KC Rising’s work focuses on advancing the shared vision pillars of prosperity outlined on the Pillars page.
What does KC Rising do?
We align, amplify, accelerate, articulate a shared vision and provide accountability around progress toward regional prosperity for all.
Is KC Rising an organization?
KC Rising is a distributed implementation model, designed to align community effort to regional goals. It is supported by Kansas City Area Development Council, the Mid – America Regional Council, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and hundreds of volunteer appointees.
How did KC Rising get started?
KC Rising launched in 2015 in response to the Prosperity at a Crossroads economic report produced by the Mid-America Regional Council and the Brookings Institute. The report showed the Kansas City metropolitan area was growing but not at the same rate, in many economic categories, as our peer metros. Thus, KC Rising was launched to align and accelerate the region’s growth.
Who is involved in KC Rising?
KC Rising is business-led and is aligning corporations, foundations, nonprofits, governments, educational institutions, human services groups, civic leaders, and other members of the public square. The composition of KC Rising committees should reflect the diversity of the community and shall be governed by the principals set forth in the diversity, equity and inclusion charter.
How is KC Rising funded?
KC Rising receives its primary funding and resources through its 4 civic support organizations: the Kansas City Area Development Council, the Mid – America Regional Council, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Additional funding comes from grants and contributions.
What are KC Risings measures of success?
KC Rising has three long-term goals described as horizon goals. We strive to improve these key areas in relation to our benchmark cities. Our overall goal is to grow the economy for everyone. To grow the economy, we must: Attract people (net migration) and Increase worker productivity (GDP per job). To make it for everyone, we must: Pay workers enough to cover necessities (percent of workers living in self-sufficient households) and Build Wealth (black/white wealth gap).
How can I get involved?
There are a number of ways to get involved:
- Follow @KCRising on Twitter or LinkedIn
- Sign-up to receive our newsletter on our home page
- Align with the seven pillars in the Shared Vision for Regional Prosperity. Make them your own through your corporate social responsibility program, strategic plan, or more. Where we are working to similar ends, use the badge and language.
- Share Your Story – Tell us what you are doing already that is aligned with the seven pillars in the Shared Vision.
Still Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Send us a message and a member of KC Rising will lead you in the right direction.