Kansas City commits $25M toward workforce development center
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City took another step toward creating a new Northland Workforce Development Center with a commitment toward a state-of-the-art center.
On Thursday, April 17, the City of Kansas City committed $25 million toward the NWDC, a training hub designed to meet regional demand for skilled labor.
The center is being developed with a $74 million project which has already secured a $37 million investment from the State of Missouri. Kansas City’s commitment moves the project closer to completion.
“This project is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about providing opportunities for the next generation,” said Councilmember Nathan Willett. “The new center will train and inspire our future first responders, welders, electricians, nurses, and other professionals to meet the workforce needs of the greater Kansas City region.”
The funding ordinance received broad council support, including from Mayor Quinton Lucas.
“Kansas City’s growth over the next generation will be dictated by the workers we can develop and attract,” said Mayor Lucas. The City’s investment in the Northland Workforce Development Center represents our commitment to building the region’s economic future while also investing in one of the fastest-growing areas in our entire region and state. The partnership between the city, state, and Northland Workforce Development Center Corporation demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together toward a shared vision of prosperity for all Kansas Citians.”
The city said KC’s investment will be financed through taxable special obligations bonds generated from new development revenue coming from near the project site.
The ordinance included strategic provisions that include free facility access for community events and discounted tuition for City employees. It also directs the City Manager to look into potential satellite training sites across the city to reduce transportation barriers and expand access.
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