Government Stories

Kansas City to become gigabit testbed with first-in-U.S. infrastructure

Since the arrival of Google Fiber in 2012, Kansas City has been buzzing with excitement about gigabit internet and how it can benefit citizens. Gigabit-fast speeds are convenient for individuals and businesses alike, but one question has remained unanswered: how does a community — especially one trying to build a smart city — take advantage…

KCMO reveals seven innovation partners and inaugural demo day

Mayor Sly James on Tuesday announced seven partners for the 2016 Innovation Partnership Program and the program’s new accelerator-like approach. Now in its second year, the IPP provides select startups with city data and infrastructure at no cost and the opportunity to develop, test and demonstrate innovative solutions for the city. For the first time, the…

Ryan Weber: KC’s proposed ride-sharing rules should concern local tech firms

Editor’s note: The public comment period on Kansas City’s proposed ride-sharing regulations has now ended, prompting the city’s regulated industries division to submit its recommendations to the Kansas City Council. By directive of the council, city officials have reviewed current laws and culled public input on new, proposed changes, which at this point focus largely…

Political tech vet to lead KCK innovation efforts

A political tech vet is leading new innovation efforts in Kansas City, Kan. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas on Monday welcomed Alan Howze on board as their first chief knowledge officer to oversee the government’s IT Department, the 311 service center and mapping group. A former Virginia gubernatorial director and…

overtime pay

5 considerations for startups grappling with new overtime rules

Editor’s note: This column was co-written by EBCFO founder Dan Schmidt and Mark Opara, a general business and corporate law attorney at Seigfreid Bingham. The authors’ opinions are theirs alone.   Low pay, long hours, and maybe some future benefits — it’s the startup way! In early stage companies, it’s a tradeoff of current pain…