Arredondo: The Economist documentary, recent press great for Kansas City

It’s no secret that I’m a total homer for Kansas City.

I truly believe that we have the opportunity and ability to become a world-class, 21st-century city.

With that being said, I’ve been known to hyperbolize when it comes to the promise I see in Kansas City. But recently, our city has sold itself with some fantastic international and national media coverage. Here are a few that made me feel proud to be a Kansas Citian.

1) Crystal Balls: Startups and the Future of the App Economy

This piece is my primary inspiration for writing. The Economist is an international economic publication that recently captured part of Kansas City’s entrepreneurial story in a beautifully-shot mini-documentary.

The film in part tells the story of the rise of the Kansas City Startup Village and the metro’s access to Google Fiber, as well as highlights techies in China and Northern Europe.

The Economist doesn’t do anything without careful consideration. That’s why this documentary made me pause and feel proud of Kansas City. An international publication compared Kansas City with China and Northern Europe for goodness sake! Check out the documentary in the above link. 

2) Top 10 Cities Techies Should Consider Moving to In 2016

Kansas City appearing on lists like the one above is becoming more and more common.

It’s another validation point that we’re onto something and attracting the nation’s attention. As usual, Kansas City’s access to Google Fiber and its low cost of living are highlights for prospective techies.

“Kansas City is making some major innovative pushes with companies recruiting top talent right out of college,” the article reads. “Kansas City is an emerging location for tech companies to plant their roots in. Incubators, accelerators and massive support from major corporations are fostering this region to be a major player in the game. Kansas City is being seen on all major emerging tech city lists.”

3) Collaboration is key to entrepreneurial density

Serving as the cherry on top is an Insider Louisville write-up by an economic development professional who visited Kansas City to learn about our burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Author Amelia Gandara said that the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s goal to become “America’s most entrepreneurial city” has yielded positive results with programs like Digital Sandbox. She also noted the area’s access to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and entrepreneurial resource hub KCSourceLink.

Great job, but stay hungry

While the press is great, Kansas City has only just begun its race and can’t get distracted by patting ourselves on the back. Several of our most notable assets have uncertain futures, including the Kansas City Startup Village and Kansas Angel Tax Credits.

And despite the announcement of Royal Street Ventures’ new Kansas City office, we still have a very long way to go to create a funding environment in which our most capable innovators can soar.

Long story short, be proud of the progress we’ve made and the reputation we’re building — but stay hungry.