Kansas City earns spot in 6-month program to boost economic mobility

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The City of Kansas City has earned 1 of 12 spots in a prestigious 6-month program that promises to help boost economic mobility.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced on Monday, June 2, that the City of Fountains has been chosen to participate in the National League of Cities’ third Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program.

Through a 6-month initiative, City leaders said they will be given a $20,000 grant and expert guidance to promote economic mobility. Kansas City is one of 12 municipalities nationwide chosen to participate in the initiative, ed by the Gates Foundation.

“As Kansas City prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026, we’re committed to ensuring that every corner and zip code in our community benefits from this historic moment,” said Mayor Lucas. “The Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant to KC BizCare will help level the playing field for small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing essential business readiness training. When the world’s eyes are on Kansas City, we want them to see a city where opportunity is truly accessible to all.”

Through the City’s participation, leaders indicated that they plan to use the funds to educate and promote the regulatory processes of industries that have the largest impact on small businesses and entrepreneurs during the World Cup. These include outdoor dining, liquor licensing, short-term rentals and restaurants.

City officials noted that KC BizCare will also use the grant to expand cross-departmental initiatives. Participation has the potential to leverage additional funds to promote economic mobility efforts.

Over the past 2 years, NLC leaders said worked with 20 other municipalities to provide more than $350,000 in awards, coaching and peer-learning chances. Additionally, a team from KC will representatives from nearly 2 dozen other cities from the current and previous cohorts in a t economic mobility conference in October.

“I suggested staff to pursue this opportunity because economic mobility must be a reality for every Kansas Citian,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. “This grant allows us to remove barriers for small businesses and entrepreneurs in a pivotal moment for our city. As we prepare for the global spotlight of World Cup 2026, we’re making strategic investments that will position our communities to grow and thrive well beyond the tournament.”

NLC officials indicated that they chose Kansas City for the program to expand, test and implement economic mobility. Through lessons learned, they can continue to advocate and expand economic mobility programming nationwide.

The program is expected to run through Dec. 31, 2025. No further information has been released.

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