Google makes new $120K pledge to KC schools; region embraces a future built on flexibility 

In an era of artificial intelligence and high-tech solutions, the children of Kansas City remain a vital piece of the region’s future economic sustainability, said Utaukwa Allen, announcing a new financial pledge from Google that targets local students.

Kansas City Public Schools have been selected for a $120,000 partnership with Google to strengthen KCPS’ STEM curriculum, equipping students with the skills needed for impactful careers and a future driven by digital innovation, said Allen, global head of economic and community development for Google data centers.

Utaukwa Allen, global head of economic and community development for Google data centers, speaks during the KCADC’s 2024 annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC

“From data centers to investment in STEM education, Google’s commitment transcends infrastructure; our partnerships in Kansas City are vital engines of economic growth and resilience for the region and beyond,” she told a crowd of more than 2,000 civic and business leaders gathered Thursday for the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) annual meeting.

Google in March announced plans for a $1 billion data center in the Kansas City area. In addition to sprawling facility, Google pledged to bring 400 megawatts of new carbon-free energy to the local grid and contribute $100,000 to the North Kansas City School District’s STEAM center, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable growth and educational innovation in the community.

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“Today, we build on our commitment to nurturing a sustainable, inclusive and economically vibrant environment in Kansas City, ensuring its future workforce is ready to lead in the era of AI,” said Allen.

A crowd listens to remarks during the Kansas City Area Development Council’s 2024 annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC

The KCADC’s annual meeting — themed “FLEX” — highlighted the more than $1.8 billion in such investments across the 18-county, two-state region. It celebrated a landmark year of growth and reinforced the power of flexibility and adaptability as drivers of regional success and, ultimately, long-term growth, said Ora Reynolds. 

“When our partners flex their strengths, from community-building to attracting world-class investments, Kansas City becomes a stronger, more resilient region,” said Reynolds, KCADC senior co-chair and president and CEO of Hunt Midwest.

To date in 2024, KCADC and its partners attracted 16 companies to the region, driving $1.8 billion in capital investment, 1,498 new jobs, $104.7 million in wages and 2.3 million square feet of new space.

Leaders from the Kansas City Area Development Council share success data on stage during the KCADC’s 2024 annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC

This year also marked a new milestone in KCADC’s media coverage, according to the organization, with 630-plus stories of Kansas City’s project wins, industry strengths and lifestyle amenities reaching an audience of more than 1.25 billion — 1 in 8 people worldwide.

“Eyes all over the world are on Kansas City thanks to our tremendous success, from billions of dollars in investment and industry growth to national sports recognition and global affinity for the KC story,” said Reynolds. “Today, we celebrate our monumental wins while challenging ourselves as an entire region to push for more.”

Tim Cowden, president and CEO of Kansas City Area Development Council, speaks on stage during the KCADC’s 2024 annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC

Tim Cowden, president and CEO of KCADC, encouraged attendees to embrace a flexible, forward-looking approach to sustain and build upon Kansas City’s recent wins.

“Kansas City’s momentum is no accident — it’s the result of our entire region aligning around a shared vision for innovation, resilience and growth,” said Cowden. “By embracing flexibility and the power of collaboration, we’re building a future where Kansas City isn’t just keeping up — it’s leading on a global stage.”

Consistently ranked as a top regional economic development group, KCADC serves as an essential resource for locating businesses and talent to the region. The organization recently received two gold medals at the International Economic Development Council’s Excellence Awards for its annual publication, KC Options Magazine, and “KC Design Draft” campaign.