Kansas City: Economy

Major Industries and Commercial Activity

Both the geographic and population centers of the United States lie within 250 miles of Kansas City, making the metropolitan area a natural hub for intermodal transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution. The Kansas City area economy is a diverse one. The trade, transportation, and utilities category is the region's largest employer; government is second, followed by professional and business services, then educational and health services. Major manufacturing employers are Hallmark Cards (founded in Kansas City in 1910); Harmon Industries, Inc. (founded in Kansas City in 1946), manufacturers of railroad signal and communication equipment, traffic control systems, rail/highway grade crossing hardware and allied components; and American Italian Pasta, the largest producer of pasta in North America.

In addition to the federal and state governments, local employers with more than 5,000 workers include Sprint, Ford Motor Company, Kansas City School District, and the University of Kansas. A number of companies have made recent announcements to relocate significant operations or expand existing operations to the Kansas City metropolitan area. These include Federal Express, Wausau Supply, Procter & Gamble, and H&R Block.

Items and goods produced: grain mill products, roasted coffee, chips and similar snacks, meat products, bakery products, apparel, millwork and plywood, furniture, paperboard containers and boxes, converted paper products, commercial printing and publishing, drugs, soaps and detergents, agricultural chemicals, plastics, concrete, mineral wool, fabricated structural metal products, ordnance and accessories, industrial machinery and equipment, electronic/electrical equipment, motorvehicles, search and navigation equipment

Incentive Programs—New and Existing Companies

Local programs

The Kansas City Area Development Council is a bi-state, regional coalition of business, government, economic development, and chambers of commerce leaders. The council works with community partners to attract business and industry to the bi-state metropolitan area. Businesses locating within the Kansas City area are eligible for several incentive programs that, at the time of initial investment, offer direct cost reductions. Some of the programs also reduce annual operating costs. Businesses and individuals located in the metropolitan area are also affected by a tax structure that is quite favorable when compared to most regions of the United States. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce's Business Resource Center provides information for the research and business planning stage.

State programs

Businesses relocating to or expanding in the Kansas City area can take advantage of a wide range of financial incentives provided by state and local government agencies. These include state income tax credits, real and personal property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions, financing programs, workforce training, and a number of other programs.

Job training programs

The New Jobs Training Program (NJTP) provides education and training to workers employed in newly created jobs in Missouri. The new jobs may result from a new industry locating in Missouri or an existing industry expanding its workforce in the state. In greater Kansas City, NJTP services are provided by the Metropolitan Community Colleges system. The program provides assistance in reducing the cost associated with expanding a workforce or locating a new facility through several training services, including customized training designed for the specific needs of the industry, adult basic education, general occupational skill training, and on-the-job training. The Missouri Customized Training Program (MCTP) helps Missouri employers with funding to offset the costs of employee training and retraining. It assists new and expanding businesses in recruiting, screening, and training workers, and it helps existing employers retain their current workforce when faced with needed upgrading and retraining.

Kansas City's Center for Workforce and Diversity Development, the hub of workforce development initiatives designed to seek solutions by building coalitions and collaborations to overcome workforce barriers. Initiatives include centralizing and supplying information about legislation and activities relating to the Welfare-to-Work program, child care and school-to-career initiatives; promoting diversity programs in the workplace; facilitating the metropolitan-wide Workforce Industry Consortia, where workforce issues are discussed and solutions created. Through the Workforce Industry Consortia, area businesses identify specific industry skill standards, gaps, and required training needs.

Development Projects

In 2004 Mayor Kay Barnes envisioned a "New Kansas City," driven primarily by development projects in the metropolitan area's urban core. More than $4 billion in major infrastructure improvements are planned, with work currently progressing on a $200 million expansion of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, a $157 million Convention Center renovation and expansion project, and a $330 million entertainment district. Future projects include the new H&R Block headquarters, a Metropolitan Performing Arts Center, a Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, and Sprint Center, a $250 million sports arena slated for completion in 2007. Beginning in summer 2005, a new bus rapid transit system, the Metro Area Express (MAX), connects many of these destinations.

Since 2000, more than $500 million has been invested in new downtown residences, and another Sewer and Water Bond is being proposed to update the city's aging infrastructure and promote even more residential development.

Jim and Virginia Stowers have committed $300 million to build a second facility for the existing Stowers Institute for Medical Research; each facility will employ 500 people when staffed to capacity.

Economic Development Information: Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, 2600 Commerce Tower, 911 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64105-2049; telephone (816)221-2424; fax (816)221-7440; email info@kcchamber.com. Kansas City Area Development Council, 2600 Commerce Tower, 911 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64105-2049; telephone (816)221-2121; toll-free (888)99KCADC; fax (816)842-2865; email kcadc@thinkKC.com. Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, 10 Petticoat Lane, Ste. 250, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816)221-0636; toll-free (800)889-0636; fax (816)221-0189

Commercial Shipping

Located at the juncture of three interstate highways, four interstate linkages, and 10 federal highways, Kansas City is served by more than 300 motor freight carriers, including Yellow Corp., the nation's largest less-than-truckload carrier, which is headquartered in Kansas City. Kansas City is the third largest truck terminal in the United States. The second-largest rail center in the United States, Greater Kansas City is served by four of the country's eight Class I rail carriers, as well as three regional lines and one local switching carrier (Kansas City Terminal). Kansas City is connected via the Kansas and Missouri rivers to the nation's inland water system and is served by seven barge lines; 41 docks and terminal facilities exist in the metropolitan area. As an important inland port, Kansas City ranks first in the country in Foreign Trade Zones space. Kansas City International Airport (KCI) and four other airports in the metropolitan area are capable of supporting large cargo aircraft.

Labor Force and Employment Outlook

Employment in the Kansas City area economy increased by 20 percent during the 1990s, which ranked Kansas City among the fastest growing major Midwest labor markets. Unemployment, however, has risen steadily from 3.1 percent in 1999 to 6.2 percent in 2004. The Kansas City area labor force is said to be well-educated, motivated, and highly productive. Production workers in Kansas City take fewer sick days than workers in 33 major metros. Like the rest of the country, Kansas City has experienced a labor shortage; in the late 1990s this resulted in the loss of potential major employers to other parts of the country.

The local economy has managed to remain remarkably steady, largely due to its diversity; because it is not tied too closely to one particular industry, it is not subject to rapid economic peaks and valleys.

The following is a summary of data regarding the Kansas City metropolitan area labor force, 2004 annual averages.

Size of nonagricultural labor force: 965,900

Number of workers employed in . . .

construction and mining: 50,800

manufacturing: 83,700

trade, transportation and utilities: 202,200

information: 45,300

financial activities: 70,900

professional and business services: 127,700

educational and health services: 108,900

leisure and hospitality: 92,300

other services: 40,400

government: 143,900

Average hourly earnings of production workers employed in manufacturing: $20.65

Unemployment rate: 5.7% (February 2005)

Cost of Living

Kansas City's cost of living has consistently been at or below the national average. A major component of the overall low cost of living is the affordability of housing in the area. In the first quarter of 2005, Kansas City was the second most affordable market among metropolitan areas with populations exceeding one million.

The following is a summary of data regarding several key cost of living factors in the Kansas City area.

2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Average House Price: $228,375

2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Cost of Living Index: 95.5 (U.S. average = 100.0)

State income tax rate: graduated from 1.5% to 6.0%

State sales tax rate: 4.225%

Local income tax rate: 1.0% of earnings

Local sales tax rate: 1.5%

Property tax rate: 1.32 per $100 of assessed value of improved and unimproved land, personal property, and footage on or abutting boulevards, parkways, and trafficways

Economic Information: Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, 2600 Commerce Tower, 911 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64105-2049; telephone (816)221-2424; fax (816)221-7440; email info@kcchamber.com. Kansas City Area Development Council, 2600 Commerce Tower, 911 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64105-2049; telephone (816)221-2121; toll-free (888)99KCADC; fax (816)842-2865; email kcadc@thinkKC.com. State of Missouri, Department of Economic Development, 301 W. High St., PO Box 157, Jefferson City, MO 65102; telephone (573)751-4962; fax (573)526-7700; email ecodev@ded.mo.gov

Kansas City: Recreation

Sightseeing

The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs was chartered by Congress in 1960 to honor the nation's farmers. Funded by private contributions, the 172-acre facility traces the history of agriculture in the United States with exhibits on rural life, customs, and material culture. Its many attractions include the Museum of Farming, the National Farmer's Memorial, a gallery of rural art, and a restored nineteenth century farming village.

The Huron Indian Cemetery located in the heart of downtown is the burial ground of the Wyandot Nation, founders of the first town in the evolution of Kansas City. Established in 1832, White Church Christian Church is the oldest church in the state that is still in use. The John Brown Statue at 27th Avenue and Sewell pays tribute to the Brown-led antislavery movement from Quindaro, Kansas. In council chambers at City Hall the history of Kansas City is told through stained-glass windows and a large mural. The Rosedale Memorial Arch, dedicated in 1923 as a memorial to World War I soldiers, replicates the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. In 1993 a monument was added underneath the arch in memory of soldiers who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Grinter House, built in 1857 and furnished with authentic period furniture, is the restored home of one of the first white settlers in Kansas City, Moses Grinter, who operated a ferry across the Kaw (Kansas) River.

Children will be interested in the Children's Museum of Kansas City, featuring interactive discovery-based exhibits. Nearby Kansas City, Missouri is home to the Kansas City Zoo; Worlds of Fun, a theme park with more than 50 rides and shows; and Oceans of Fun, a tropical-theme water park.

Arts and Culture

The centerpiece for the performing arts in Kansas City is Memorial Hall, a 3,300-seat venue that hosts cultural, religious, and entertainment events year-round. The Wyandotte Players perform live family-oriented theatre at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Performing Arts Center. Commedia Sans Arte is an improvisational comedy troupe performing at the historic Alcott Arts Center (formerly the Louise May Alcott Grade School). Open-air concerts take place at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Bonner Springs.

Kansas City, Kansas's Granada Theatre is home to the Grand Barton Theatre pipe organ. One of the most impressive instruments of its kind, it weighs more than 20 tons and rises more than two stories in height. Built in 1928–1929 by Boller Brothers in a Spanish-Mediterranean style, the Granada Theatre was restored in 1986 and operated as a nonprofit performing arts center during the 1980s and 1990s. It was under renovation in 2005.

The stone and brick foundations of the Quindaro Ruins and Underground Railroad, called "the largest known archeological shrine to freedom," offer a rare glimpse into Kansas's abolitionist past. The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in nearby Independence, Missouri contains documents and memorabilia from the Truman presidency, including a popular White House in Miniature exhibit.

The Wyandotte County Historical Museum in Bonner Springs displays local and regional artifacts, including Native American relics and other items from the county's early history. The Strawberry Hill Museum is dedicated to Kansas City's Eastern European heritage. It is located in the former St. John the Baptist Children's Home, an original Queen Anne-style building constructed in 1887. Neighboring Kansas City, Missouri, is the home of the nationally renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and a number of other museums of note.

Festivals and Holidays

Kansas City is nicknamed the "City of Festivals." The city and Wyandotte County celebrate history, culture, tradition, and ethnic heritage with annual events in which crafts, foods, and music play an important part. Recognized as one of the top 100 attractions in North America, the Renaissance Festival spans six fall weekends beginning on Labor Day weekend. Several ethnic festivals are scheduled throughout the year including Polski Days, the Croatian Festival, the Kansas City Scottish Highland Games, and Oktoberfest. The Wyandotte County Fair takes place the last weekend in July. The Great American Barbecue takes place in May, featuring barbecue contests and a Barbecue Ball. Grinter House is the location of a number of special events, including the Applefest in autumn.

Sports for the Spectator

Greyhound, thoroughbred, and quarter horse racing take place at the dual-track Woodlands complex. The privately funded racetrack includes two separate enclosed spectator facilities, a one-mile horse track with a straightaway for thoroughbreds and quarter horses, and a greyhound track suitable for year-round racing. Lakeside Speedway has a half-mile asphalt oval track and is part of the NASCAR Winston Racing Series. The Speedway hosts many national touring series; racing takes place every Friday night from March through September. The recently completed Kansas Speedway is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a 1.5-mile racing track, 80,000 spectator seats, driving schools, custom car shows and more. In addition to NASCAR, IRL and ARCA races, the Kansas Speed-way also hosts community events.

Nearby Kansas City, Missouri has much to offer the sports enthusiast. The American Royal, the world's largest combined livestock show, horse show, and rodeo, takes place in autumn at the American Royal Complex in the stockyard district. The Kansas City Chiefs play in the National Football League at Arrowhead Stadium, part of the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex. Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals compete in the American League Central Division at Kauffman Stadium. The Kansas City Comets play indoor soccer and the Kansas City Knights play ABA basketball, both at Kemper Arena.

Sports for the Participant

The Unified Government Parks and Recreation Department manages 44 parks and 7 recreational centers with facilities for tennis, golf, swimming and picnicking. Wyandotte County Lake offers a 400-acre lake with marina, 1500 acres of wooded land, a model railroad, picnic shelters and excellent fishing. Private facilities can be reserved for small and large groups. The 360-acre Wyandotte County Park includes lighted softball fields, tennis courts and a soccer pitch. Meeting space is also available.

Wyandotte County has three first-rate golf courses. Painted Hills offers rolling fairways and a panoramic view of the city. Dub's Dread is a challenging 18 hole course. The newly-remodeled Sunflower Hills is considered the premier public course in the metropolitan area, with 18 hole championship design and PGA management staff.

Shopping and Dining

Legends Shopping Center, an open-air shopping and entertainment destination, is expected to open in the Village West district in summer 2005. Village West already offers 400 acres of retail, sports and dining venues. Indian Springs Marketplace is home to the Children's Museum of Kansas City as well as a range of shops and services. Country Club Plaza and Crown Center are located in Kansas City, Missouri. City Market, also in Missouri, is a colorful farmers' market open seven days a week. Union Station is a fully refurbished 1914 landmark, now featuring unique shops and restaurants, an interactive science centre and theatre facilities. Kansas City restaurants are known for their barbecue, steaks, chicken, and ethnic cuisine, including Mexican, Greek, Asian, and Italian.

Visitor Information: Kansas City, Kansas—Wyandotte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 727 Minnesota Ave., PO Box 171517, Kansas City, KS 66101, telephone (913)321-5800; toll-free (800)264-1563

KANSAS CITY

KANSAS CITY. Located in northwest Missouri at the junction of the Kansas (or Kaw) and Missouri Rivers, Kansas City sits very close to the geographic center of the United States. From its beginning the area has served as a transportation hub, first for the Kansa (or Kansas) tribe of Native Americans and later for European and American traders and settlers who established permanent settlements. French trader François Chouteau established a trading post along the river near the present downtown in 1821, while American John C. McCoy built Westport to service the Santa Fe Trail a short distance away in 1835. The river settlement was platted and renamed the City of Kansas in 1853 and incorporated with Westport in 1889 to form Kansas City. With fifteen railroads and the river system at its heart, the city quickly became a major shipment point for agricultural products from the Great Plains to the West and a processing center for livestock from the Southwest.

As the twentieth century progressed, Kansas City's industrial base expanded to include steel making and machine tools, automobile assembly plants, oil refining, and a large garment industry. The Pendergast machine of brothers James and Thomas controlled much of the city's Democratic politics from the 1890s until 1939, when Thomas was jailed on income tax evasion charges. Despite this, the city managed to develop an innovative city council with six members elected on a district basis and six elected at large, along with the mayor. During the twentieth century the civic leaders embarked on major city beautification and cultural projects to change the city's image from that of a dingy "cow town." The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw the development of ragtime by Scott Joplin and the Kansas City style of jazz with more saxophones and constant background riffs as performed by musicians such as Charlie Parker and Count Basie. Through the twentieth century the city remained a major transportation center, particularly with the coming of three interstate highways during

the 1950s and 1960s. It continues to expand, growing to an area of 313.6 square miles by 2001 and a population of 441,545 according to the 2000 Census—up from 434,829 in 1990, but still down from 448,159 in 1980. Kansas City also serves as the regional center for an eleven-county metropolitan region of nearly five thousand square miles in both Missouri and Kansas. Drawing on the rural areas around it, the metropolitan population has continued to grow; from 1.5 million in 1990, it increased to nearly 1.8 million in 2000.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Glaab, Charles Nelson. Kansas City and the Railroads: Community Policy in the Growth of a Regional Metropolis. Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1962.

Hartmann, Rudolph H. The Kansas City Investigation: Pendergast's Downfall, 1938–1939. Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1999.

Matthew L.Daley

See alsoTransportation and Travel .

Kansas City: Education and Research

Elementary and Secondary Schools

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools District is responsible for public education in Kansas City. It recently implemented a Great IDEAS award program to fund innovation in teaching. In 2001, municipal voters approved a $120 million bond issue to fund upgrades to school technology and infrastructure.

The district offers four instructional programs designed to recruit and support aspiring educators.

The following is a summary of data regarding the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools as of the 2002–2003 school year.

Total enrollment: 20,810

Number of facilities elementary schools: 30

middle schools: 8

senior high schools: 4

other: Sumner Academy of Arts and Science (grades 8-12); one alternative school program; one technical school

Student/teacher ratio: 13.1:1

Teacher salaries average: $43,511 (Kansas State, 2004)

Funding per pupil: $6,906 (Kansas State, 2004)

Nine accredited private schools provide educational alternatives in Kansas City.

Public Schools Information: Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, 625 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101; telephone (913)551-3200; fax (913)551-3217

Colleges and Universities

The University of Kansas Medical Center offers a range of degree programs through its faculties of Allied Health, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Graduate Studies. It maintains a prestigious biomedical research facility and provides medical care to the community. Kansas City Kansas Community College provides two-year programs in professional or general studies as well as transfer programs leading to baccalaureate degrees. Donnelly College is a two-year Catholic liberal arts college. The Central Baptist Theological Seminary awards a Master of Divinity degree, a Master of Arts in Religious Studies, and a Diploma in Theological Studies.

Libraries and Research Centers

The main facility of the Kansas City Kansas Public Library is located downtown; three branches and a bookmobile are operated within the system. Holdings total nearly 500,000 items, including books, periodicals and newspapers, micro-fiche, films, records, tapes, and art reproductions. Special collections include The Kansas Collection, comprised of local historical and genealogical resources, an African American Collection, and a Spanish Language Collection. The Dykes Library, one of the largest health sciences libraries in the Midwest, is open to the public as well as staff and students of the Kansas University Medical Centre. Other specialized libraries and research centers in Kansas City are affiliated with educational institutions, hospitals, and government agencies.

Public Library Information: Kansas City Kansas Public Library, 625 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101; telephone (913)551-3280; fax (913) 279-2033

Kansas City: Communications

Newspapers and Magazines

The major daily newspaper in Kansas City is the morning The Kansas City Star. Several community newspapers also circulate weekly and monthly, including Dos Mundos bilingual newspaper. Ingram's is a monthly business and lifestyle magazine.

A number of magazines and journals are published in Kansas City. Among them are the nationally distributed Flower and Garden Magazine (the magazine's demonstration garden is also located in Kansas City) and Fishing World.

Television and Radio

Five television stations—major network affiliates and one PBS—are based in Kansas City. Broadcasts are also received from stations in neighboring Fairway, Kansas, and Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Five AM and FM radio stations in Kansas City broadcast a range of program formats, including music, news, and information; many more are available from nearby cities.

Media Information: Kansas City Star, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108; telephone (816)234-4636

Kansas City Online

City of Kansas City home page. Available www.kcmo.org

Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. Available www.edckc.com

Experience Kansas City. Available www.experiencekc.com

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Available www.kcchamber.com

Kansas City Area Development Council. Available www.smartkc.com

Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association. Available www.visitkc.com

Kansas City Star. Available www.kansascity.com

Missouri Department of Economic Development. Available www.ecodev.state.mo.us

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Available www.dese.mo.gov

Selected Bibliography

Christo, Wrapped Walk Ways, Loose Park, Kansas City, Missouri, 1977-78: Essay by Ellen R. Goheen; photos by Wolfgang Volz (New York: H.N. Abrams, 1978)

DeAngelo, Dory, Kansas City, A Historical Handbook (Kansas City, MO: Two Lane Press, 1995)

Fleisher, Mark S., Dead End Kids: Gang Girls and the Boys They Know (University of Wisconsin Press, 1998)

Hemingway, Ernest, Ernest Hemingway, Cub Reporter; Kansas City Star Stories (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1970)

Kansas City: A Celebration of the Heartland, (Kansas City: Hallmark Cards, Inc., 1991)

Pearson, Nathan W., Jr., Goin' to Kansas City (Music in American Life) (University of Illinois Press, 1988)

Kansas City: Communications

Newspapers

The Kansas City, Kansas daily newspaper is the Kansas City Kansan, published Tuesday through Saturday. Several neighborhood, ethnic, and suburban newspapers are distributed weekly and monthly, including Wyandotte West and the Kansas City Record. Freethought History is a quarterly publication that discusses agnosticism, atheism, and free thought. The Kansas State Globe serves the African American community. Dos Mundos is a bilingual paper aimed at the Hispanic market.

Television and Radio

Kansas City television viewers receive broadcasts from five stations—four commercial network affiliates and one public—based in Kansas City, Missouri, and from one independent channel based in Kansas City, Kansas; cable service is available locally. Seven AM and FM radio stations from Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri provide a complete range of music, news, and special interest programming.

Media Information: Kansas City Kansan, 8200 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66112; telephone (913)371-4300; fax (913) 342-8620

Kansas City Online

Kansas City Area Development Council. Available www.smartkc.com

Kansas City Kansas Area Chamber of Commerce. Available www.kckchamber.com

Kansas City Kansas Public Library System. Available www.kckpl.lib.ks.us

Kansas City, Kansas School District. Available www.kckps.k12.ks.us

Kansas City Kansas—Wyandotte County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Available www.kckcvb.org

Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing. Available www.kansascommerce.com

Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. Available www.wycokck.org

Wyandotte County Historical Society and Museum. Available www.kumc.edu/wcedc/museum/wcmuseum.html

Selected Bibliography

Cutler, William G. History of the State of Kansas. Chicago: A.T.

Andreas, 1883. Available online at www.ukans.edu/carrie/kancoll/books/cutler/wyandotte/wyandotte-co-p1.html

Hemingway, Ernest, Ernest Hemingway, Cub Reporter; Kansas

City Star Stories (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1970)

Schulz, Constance B., ed., Bust to Boom: Documentary Photographs of Kansas, 1936–1949 (Univ. Press of Kansas, 1996)

Kansas City: Population Profile

Metropolitan Area Residents

1980: 1,433,000

1990: 1,587,875

2000: 1,776,062

Percent change, 1990–2000: 12.2%

U.S. rank in 1980: 25th

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 26th

City Residents

1980: 448,028

1990: 431,236

2000: 441,545

2003 estimate: 452,768

Percent change, 1990–2000: 1.5%

U.S. rank in 1980: 27th

U.S. rank in 1990: 31st (State rank: 1st)

U.S. rank in 2000: 45th (State rank: 1st)

Density: 1,408.2 persons per square mile (2000)

Racial and ethnic characteristics (1990)

White: 267,931

Black or African American: 137,879

American Indian and Alaska Native: 2,122

Asian: 8,182

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander: 493

Hispanic or Latino (may be of any race): 30,604

Other: 14,158

Percent of residents born in state: 57% (2000)

Age characteristics (2000)

Population under 5 years old: 31,755

Population 5 to 9 years old: 31,829

Population 10 to 14 years old: 30,770

Population 15 to 19 years old: 29,053

Population 20 to 24 years old: 31,590

Population 25 to 34 years old: 72,393

Population 35 to 44 years old: 71,309

Population 45 to 54 years old: 56,492

Population 55 to 59 years old: 19,544

Population 60 to 64 years old: 15,118

Population 65 to 74 years old: 27,163

Population 75 to 84 years old: 18,263

Population 85 years and older: 6,266

Median age: 34.0 years

Births (2003)

Total number: 7,345

Deaths (2003)

Total number: 3,742 (of which, 30 were infants under the age of 1 year)

Money income (1999)

Per capita income: $20,753

Median household income: $37,198

Total households: 184,028

Number of households with income of . . .

less than $10,000: 21,385

$10,000 to $14,999: 11,745

$15,000 to $24,999: 26,325

$25,000 to $34,999: 27,110

$35,000 to $49,999: 31,731

$50,000 to $74,999: 34,354

$75,000 to $99,999: 16,037

$100,000 to $149,999: 10,330

$150,000 to $199,999: 2,213

$200,000 or more: 2,798

Percent of families below poverty level: 11.1% (30.1% of which were female householder families with related children under 5 years)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 42,100

Kansas City: Population Profile

Metropolitan Area Residents

1980: 1,433,000

1990: 1,582,875

2000: 1,776,062

Percent change, 1990–2000: 12.2%

U.S. rank in 1980: 25th

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 25th

City Residents

1980: 161,148

1990: 151,521

2000: 146,866

2003 estimate: 145,757

Percent change, 1990–2000: -3.0%

U.S. rank in 1980: 93rd

U.S. rank in 1990: 115th

U.S. rank in 2000: 161st

Density: 1,181.9 people per square mile (2000)

Racial and ethnic characteristics (2000)

White: 81,910

Black or African American: 44,240

American Indian and Alaska Native: 1,103

Asian: 2,527

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander: 56

Hispanic or Latino (may be of any race): 24,639

Other: 12,645

Percent of residents born in state: 55.0% (2000)

Age characteristics (2000)

Population under 5 years old: 11,953

Population 5 to 9 years old: 11,868

Population 10 to 14 years old: 11,388

Population 15 to 19 years old: 11,314

Population 20 to 24 years old: 10,975

Population 25 to 34 years old: 21,341

Population 35 to 44 years old: 21,946

Population 45 to 54 years old: 17,717

Population 55 to 59 years old: 6,253

Population 60 to 64 years old: 5,072

Population 65 to 74 years old: 8,973

Population 75 to 84 years old: 6,056

Population 85 years and older: 2,010

Median age: 32.3 years

Births (2003) Total number: 2,586

Deaths (2003)

Total number: 1,383 (of which, 33 were infants under the age of 1 year)

Money income (1999)

Per capita income: $15,737

Median household income: $33,011

Total households: 55,533

Number of households with income of . . .

less than $10,000: 7,289

$10,000 to $14,999: 4,310

$15,000 to $24,999: 8,784

$25,000 to $34,999: 8,694

$35,000 to $49,999: 9,962

$50,000 to $74,999: 9,683

$75,000 to $99,999: 4,222

$100,000 to $149,999: 2,005

$150,000 to $199,999: 280

$200,000 or more: 304

Percent of families below poverty level: 13.0% (45.7% of which were female householder families with related children under 5 years)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 4,087

Kansas City: Convention Facilities

Kansas City is a popular convention destination, ranking among the top meeting centers in the nation. The Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Centers, site of most major functions in the city, consist of H. Roe Bartle Hall and Municipal Auditorium and covers a four-block downtown area. The two buildings are linked by an underground walk-way that is also connected to a parking garage and three hotels. A renovation project that ended in January 2005 reconfigured more than half the facility into 26 meeting rooms, offering more than 67,704 square feet of meeting space. An additional expansion project will spend $135 million by 2007 to add 135,000 square feet, including a 46,450-square-foot grand ballroom/multipurpose space and 35,000 square feet of pre-function space. A previous expansion of Bartle Hall made it the largest contiguous column-free exhibit space in the nation.

Located near the convention center is the American Royal Center, a 14-acre complex that includes Kemper Arena, the American Royal Arena, Hale Arena, and American Royal Museum. The newly expanded Kemper Arena is the site of large functions such as political conventions.

Additional convention facilities for both large and small groups can be found at metropolitan area hotels and motels, where more than 17,000 rooms are available.

Convention Information: Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association, 1100 Main St., Ste. 2200, Kansas City, MO 64105; telephone (816)221-5242; toll-free (800)767-7700

Kansas City

The City in Brief

Founded: 1821 (incorporated 1853)

Head Official: Mayor Kay Barnes (since 1999)

City Population

1980: 448,028

1990: 431,236

2000: 441,545

2003 estimate: 442,768

Percent change, 1990–2000: 1.5%

U.S. rank in 1980: 27th

U.S. rank in 1990: 31st

U.S. rank in 2000: 45th

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 1,433,000

1990: 1,582,875

2000: 1,776,062

Percent change, 1990–2000: 12.2%

U.S. rank in 1980: 25th

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 26th

Area: 314 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 742 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 54.6° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 38.21 inches; 2000 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Trade, transportation, and utilities; government; professional and business services; educational and health services

Unemployment Rate: 5.7% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $20,753 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 42,100

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Missouri at Kansas City

Daily Newspaper: The Kansas City Star

Kansas City: Health Care

Among the primary health care facilities in Kansas City are more than 20 hospitals providing over 5,000 beds. The 508-bed Research Medical Center, founded in 1896, offers general and specialized care in such areas as arthritis, cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management, and speech and hearing disorders. In 2005 the Research Cancer Center unveiled a new genetic counseling/screening program. The Research Psychiatric Center provides a complete range of psychiatric treatment for adults and adolescents. St. Luke's Hospital, a 629-bed tertiary care institution, operates the Mid America Heart Institute and Mid America Brain and Stroke Institute, as well as a school of nursing. Truman Medical Center is the primary teaching hospital for the University of Missouri—Kansas City schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing. Other major health care facilities located in the city include Menorah Medical Center, Trinity Lutheran, and the Children's Mercy Hospital. A number of public and private special clinics, chemical dependency centers, mental health centers, and fitness centers also serve Kansas City.

Health Care Information: Research Medical Center, 2316 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64132; telephone (816)276-4000. Research Psychiatric Center hotline, telephone (816)444-8161. Saint Luke's NurseLine, telephone (816)932-6220; toll-free (800)932-6220.

Kansas City

The City in Brief

Founded: 1843 (incorporated, 1859)

Head Official: CEO/Mayor Joe Reardon (since 2005)

City Population

1980: 161,148

1990: 151,521

2000: 146,866

2003 estimate: 145,757

Percent change, 1990–2000: -3.0%

U.S. rank in 1980: 93rd

U.S. rank in 1990: 115th

U.S. rank in 2000: 161st

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 1,433,000

1990: 1,582,875

2000: 1,776,062

Percent change, 1990–2000: 12.2%

U.S. rank in 1980: 25th

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 25th

Area: 124 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 740 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 54.7° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 37.98 inches

Major Economic Sectors: Services, trade, government, manufacturing

Unemployment Rate: 5.6% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $15,737 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 4,087.0

Major Colleges and Universities: Kansas City Kansas Community College; University of Kansas Medical Center

Daily Newspaper: Kansas City Kansan

Kansas City: Transportation

Approaching the City

Kansas City International Airport is just 16 miles north of downtown in Kansas City, Missouri. Its 15 commercial airlines serve more than 10 million domestic and international travelers each year.

A network of interstate highways links Kansas City with points throughout the nation. I-35 runs from Duluth, Minnesota, southward through Kansas City to Laredo, Texas. I-29, originating in North Dakota, terminates in Kansas City; the Kansas Turnpike, I-70, bisects the city and extends to St. Louis and Denver, Colorado. I-435, an outerbelt, spans western Wyandotte County and connects Kansas City with the airport to the north.

Traveling in the City

North-south streets in Kansas City are numbered and labeled "street;" east-west streets are named and designated "avenue." Public bus transportation is operated by the Kansas City Area Transit Authority and Unified Government Transit. These two bus systems provide integrated service Monday through Saturday. Dial-A-Ride offers public transit service for persons with disabilities. Senior Group Transportation is also available. Amtrak passenger trains depart from the metro area four times daily.

Kansas City: Health Care

With two major hospitals and a county health department, Kansas City is a regional leader in health care. The 418-bed University of Kansas Hospital is a teaching hospital for the University of Kansas Medical School. A Carnegie Research I institution, it receives at least $40 million in annual federal research funding. Areas of specialty include cancer treatment and prevention, neurology, kidney disease, liver and kidney transplants, and pain management. A cancer consultation service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Providence Medical Center is a 400-bed, not-for-profit community hospital. It offers an extensive array of services including cancer and cardiac care, a Family Care Centre for obstetrical, pediatric and gynecological services, and an out-patient Rehabilitation Center. The Wyandotte County Public Health Department provides clinics for adults and children as well as immunization and family planning information. Most services are available for a nominal or sliding-scale fee.

Kansas City: Introduction

Kansas City is a thriving cultural and economic center at the heart of the United States. The largest city in Missouri, Kansas City is the center of a bi-state Metropolitan Statistical Area composed of 15 counties: Platte, Clinton, Caldwell, Clay, Ray, Jackson, Lafayette, Cass, and Bates counties in Missouri and Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Franklin, Miami, and Linn counties in Kansas. First a trading post and river port settlement, the city developed after the Civil War as a link in the intercontinental railroad network, which led to prosperous grain, livestock, and meat-packing industries. During the twentieth century Kansas City garnered a national reputation for its distinctive architecture, boulevard system, and innovations in urban redevelopment. This redevelopment has continued into the twenty-first century, prompting Expansion Management magazine to name Kansas City the third "hottest city" in the United States for business expansion (2005).

Kansas City: Convention Facilities

The Jack Reardon Convention Centre in downtown Kansas City is the site of conferences, meetings, banquets, and conventions. The facility contains 20,000 square feet of exhibit space with 12 meeting rooms and 60 booth spaces. Seating is available for up to 1,800 participants. Next door, the Hilton Garden Inn offers 147 rooms and meeting space ranging from 300 to 5,000 square feet. The Best Western Inn and Conference Centre has 113 rooms and meeting space for groups of 15 to 225. Great Wolf Lodge offers 3,000 square feet of meeting space and 281 rooms. Some hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts in the area also maintain meeting and banquet rooms.

Convention Information: Jack Reardon Convention Center, 500 Minnesota, Kansas City, KS 66101; telephone (913)371-1610

Kansas City: Introduction

Kansas City, Kansas, is part of a metropolitan complex that also includes Kansas City, Missouri. The seat of Wyandotte County, Kansas City is the center of a metropolitan statistical area that covers the counties of Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, and Wyandotte in Kansas, plus seven Missouri counties. The more industrialized of the two Kansas Cities, it nevertheless is bordered by rich farmland and serves as an agricultural trade center. Established by Wyandot Native Americans, Kansas City was the site of the drafting of the state constitution and played a crucial role in the slavery issue in the Civil War.

Kansas City: Geography and Climate

Gently sloping terrain and forested hills surround Kansas City, which is located on the Kansas-Missouri border at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. The area is laced with lakes, streams, and small rivers. A four-season climate prevails, with a substantial range in temperatures; the average annual snowfall is 20.1 inches.

Area: 124 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 740 feet above sea level

Average Temperatures: January 26.9° F; July, 78.5° F; annual average, 54.7° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 37.98 inches

Kansas City: Municipal Government

Kansas City operates under a council-manager form of government, with the mayor and 12 council members all elected to four-year terms. The city manager serves and advises the mayor and council.

Head Official: Mayor Kay Barnes (D) (since 1999; current term expires in 2007)

Total Number of City Employees: approximately 4,500 (May 2005)

City Information: City Hall, 414 East Twelfth St, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816)513-3500 (Mayor's office); fax (816)513-3518; email mayor@kcmo.org

Kansas City: Municipal Government

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas serves as the local government for Kansas City, Kansas, while providing county services for the Cities of Bonner Springs and Edwardsville.

Head Official: CEO/Mayor Joe Reardon (since 2005; current term expires 2009)

Total Number of City Employees: 2,337 (2004)

City Information: Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, 701 North 7th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101; telephone (913)573-5000

Kansas City City in ne Kansas, USA, at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers, adjacent to Kansas City, Missouri. Part of a Native American reservation, it was acquired by Wyandotte Native Americans in 1843 and sold to the US government in 1855. The modern city was established in 1886. Industries: livestock, motor vehicles, metal products, chemicals. Pop. (2000) 146,866.

Kansas City, Kansas‐Missouri/USA Actually two cities at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers separated by the Kansas–Missouri state line.1. Kansas: seven towns merged in 1886 and took the name Kansas City.2. Missouri: originally known as Westport Landing, it became the Town of Kansas after the river name in 1850, and Kansas City in 1889.