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Clay County EDC Strategic Plan

2024 - 2027 Clay County Economic Development Strategic Plan

The Clay County Economic Development Council is COMMITTED TO  

MAXIMIZING ECONOMIC WELL-BEING,  

Quality of life AND OPPORTUNITY THROUGHOUT CLAY COUNTY. 

To fulfill the commitment, the EDC shall… 

Attract and retain businesses, fostering a dynamic economic environment that creates new jobs and provides a stable foundation for sustainable growth within our community.   

  • Establish 50 new companies and 5,000 jobs in targeted industries 
  • Develop recruiting, reshoring, and relocation strategies 
  • Present at trade shows to market key projects such as 587, Cerner, and the 2026 World Cup. 
  • Collaborate with state and regional partners such as MoDED and KCADC to participate in economic development activities and respond to project requests for information. 
  • Develop grant program to assist small businesses with tech/professional needs, and local government with planning/marketing (MARC’s Substantial Community Program) 

Play a pivotal role in nurturing a skilled and adaptable workforce through targeted educational initiatives and workforce development programs. By forging partnerships with academic institutions, local businesses, labor, and community organizations, we strive to empower our workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the evolving demands of our region's industries. 

  • Complete student workforce retention strategies 
  • Encourage business development classes 
  • Survey key members to identify workforce needs and obstacles 
  • Host career day forums, Bootcamp 
  • Support educational initiatives and workforce programs provided by partner agencies such as Northland Career Center, Excelsior Springs Job Corp, Excelsior Springs Career Center, NEBA, Northland CAPS, Full Employment Council 

Enhance transportation and infrastructure to drive economic development and improve the competitiveness of our community. Through strategic investments, partnerships with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and a commitment to sustainability, we aim to create a seamless, efficient, and resilient infrastructure network that supports business growth, attracts investments, and enhances the quality of life for our residents. 

  • Work with regional partners on transportation and infrastructure plans that recognize growth in Clay County, as well as economic progress 
  • Support a long-range transportation plan that includes road improvements and related technologies.  The plan should involve freeways, interchanges, state highways and critical trafficways. 
  • Promote the 587 plan 
  • Analysis of mass transit options, including workforce transportation 
  • Develop strategies that build on key natural resources, transportation assets, and economic generators such as the Missouri River and local waterways 
  • Promote Clay County Airports 
  • Promote riverfront and waterway development, including sites along the Missouri River, restaurants, golf, and trails, including Shoal Creek Trails  
  • Promote tourism through pro, collegiate, and youth sports, hotels, historic sites, Smithville Lake, Worlds of Fun, World Cup 

Establish a dynamic Information Center as a central hub connecting our business members, partners, and stakeholders. By leveraging technology, facilitating networking events, and offering timely resources and expertise, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem where collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing thrive, ultimately driving economic growth and prosperity in our community.  

  • Position the Clay County EDC as an essential information center for businesses 
  • Promote and improve online presence through a refreshed EDC website 
  • Provide updated demographic information 
  • Develop a social media platform that focuses on EDC development issues 
  • Establish a listserv as an employment clearing house 
  • Promote & highlight local businesses & members 
  • Develop a real estate inventory of large parcels and key opportunities (caves, rivers, free trade zone, airport, 587, Cerner, 435 & 169, 210). 
  • Secure, initiate, and investigate mutually beneficial strategic partnerships and promote Economic development with the DED, Port Authority, colleges, free trade zone, Full Employment Council, work with Economic Development agencies, Job  Corps, developers, key landowners, medical facilities, utilities, etc. 
  • Participate in key networking events 
  • Reach out to member businesses routinely to offer assistance.  Contact all members at least once a year. 
  • Participate in the legislative processes regarding economic development at all levels of government, including the MidAmerica Regional Council. 

Strive to proactively identify, prioritize, and execute special projects that align with our mission and contribute to the economic growth of our community. 

  • 587 
  • Data Center focus 
  • Cerner 
  • Sports at all levels 
  • Animal health facilities (animal health corridor, ag research facilities) 
  • Medical facilities and community wellness facilities