Quinton Lucas

Mayor: ‘KC is on fire’ (and the city needs to keep turning up the heat); Lucas urges investment ahead of World Cup, major events

Kansas City, Missouri, is its strongest fiscal position ever, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, emphasizing the city’s potential to capitalize on that economic stability — coupled with headline-grabbing national attention thanks to the Chiefs — to tackle a range of concerns facing entrepreneurs and workers. Opportunities for investment, growth, redevelopment and crime prevention for small businesses are…

Her fund targets investments for women of color; why this VC is fighting a lawsuit that would curb equity-focused funding 

The fight for equity — especially among Black and brown entrepreneurs — isn’t easily won, said Ayana Parsons, likening the setback-laden struggle to a boxing match that seemingly never ends. “There are many rounds,” Parsons recently told a Kansas City crowd gathered at Burns & McDonnell’s campus for an event to honor diverse legacies. Parsons’…

Call it ‘Swiftonomics’ in KC: Win or lose, Taylor Swift brought a smile to more than just Travis Kelce this season

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City estimates that Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour this summer had an economic impact of $200…

KC is capitalizing on recent wins: Here’s how it’s paying off for tech, biologics startups (and investors) 

Dan Kerr joined a chorus of area officials and investment leaders singing the praises of a region on the rise Tuesday during a Midwest-focused venture conference in downtown Kansas City. “I hope you engage with the city and see some of the awesome stuff going on here locally,” the event co-founder and partner at Flyover…

KC officially earns title of ‘Tech Hub,’ opening door to massive federal grant funding

The federal government’s designation of Kansas City as one of 31 U.S. Tech Hubs is expected to further cement the region’s reputation as a leader in vaccine development and biotechnology, said Quinton Lucas, as well as open access to newly launched federal funding opportunities. “The wins keep coming for Kansas City,” said Lucas, mayor of…