Andrea Bough swaps city council seat for interim EDCKC exec role amid shakeup at eco devo agency

Moving a sitting city council member into the top leadership role at the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City — even temporarily — will force a vacancy on the council, Mayor Quinton Lucas acknowledged Wednesday, as the EDCKC transitions Andrea Bough into the president and CEO position previously held by Tracey Lewis.

Bough, who represents the 6th District at-large, assumes the role effective immediately, Lucas said, noting that pursuant to city charter, he will recommend a replacement to serve the remainder of her council term, subject to the approval of city council.

“Serving the people of Kansas City on the City Council has been the honor of my life,” Bough said in a statement. “I’m grateful to my colleagues, my constituents, and Mayor Lucas for their partnership over these years.”

Bough, an attorney with decades of experience practicing in real estate and development law at leading Kansas City firms, has served on the city council since 2019. She previously served as a partner at the Lewis Rice law firm, supporting development initiatives throughout Missouri and Kansas. 

Among the challenges ahead at EDCKC, Bough takes the reins as the community and economic development leaders navigate massive, region-defining projects like the Kansas City Royals’ new downtown stadium, alongside the agency’s ongoing work in business attraction and land and real estate development. EDCKC also notably administers the Central City Economic Development (CCED) Sales Tax Program, which earlier this month was re-upped by voters.

“Kansas City is growing, and that growth has to reach every neighborhood and every family,” Bough said. “I look forward to leading EDCKC’s talented team as we keep building a city where opportunity is shared by all.”

Tracey Lewis, former president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC); photo by Brian Escobar, EDCKC

The city did not detail the reasons behind Lewis’ sudden departure, though media reports noted an accelerated tension over the position in recent weeks. FOX4 first reported last week that Bough had stepped down as chair of the EDCKC board, with Lucas taking the chair position himself — moves that supported speculation that Bough would temporarily move into the executive role at the agency.

EDCKC did not immediately release additional information about the transition.

Lewis had led EDCKC since July 2022, strengthening its partnership with City Hall and advancing development and investment in neighborhoods across Kansas City, Lucas said in a press release.

“Tracey Lewis stepped into an important role and performed with steadiness and integrity. I thank him for his service and wish him well,” said Lucas. “In Councilwoman Bough, EDCKC gains a proven economic development leader with 25 years of experience in land use, development, and real estate transactions in our region. Kansas City’s economic momentum is in good hands.”