North Kansas City has long been known as the home of some of the Kansas City region's largest and fastest growing businesses. But more recently, the city has received notoriety for adding significant residential, recreational, tourism and infrastructure developments to the mix of accomplishments. As these improvements work together with the extraordinary business opportunities, the city's reputation as a safe, pleasant and vibrant community continues to grow stronger. 

The City was built on a solid economic foundation that began from an early 20th century industrial center over 90 years ago. Now, more than 20,000 people converge daily for the employment opportunities provided by the 1,000 organizations that are located in the city. These include virtually every business category - from the world's most advanced manufacturers, software producers, and stock trading corporations to home-based start-ups.

One of the most dramatic recent developments consists of more than 800 new quality-housing units being constructed near the city's central Business District. This $100 million, 56-acre project represents a visionary, "new urbanism" concept that combines single-family homes, townhomes and apartments with popular recreational, dining and shopping amenities.

The city has benefited from its superior access provided by an unmatched location at the hub of the region's transportation network. This Tradition of Progress continues through a commitment to other types of cutting-edge infrastructure improvements. One example, involves a $10 million, high-speed fiber optic system constructed throughout the city. This system can connect  businesses and residents to the internet with speeds of up to one-gigabyte per second of symetrical bandwidth .

A major part of the city's surge in development comes from its high-tech companies such as Cerner Corporation. Cerner is a world leader in medical software that has added over 1,000 new employees within the past four years at its North Kansas City world headquarters. Cerner is now in the midst of a $191 million dollar building project and plans to invest more than $1 billion in research and infrastructure at their North Kansas City campus, including construction of over 750,000 s.f. of new office space.

Harrah's Casino and Hotel, which offers major hospitality and convention facilities has helped place the city as a significant recreational destination. Harrah's recently completed a $126 million expansion including: an 845-seat performance venue; a 345 seat country/western bar and grill; a seafood restaurant; and a new 192-room hotel tower offering 50 suites with a fantastic view over the Missouri River.

This strong, diverse economy helps North Kansas City fund some surprisingly responsive services. On a per capita basis, the city boasts more police and fire personnel, armed the most modern equipment available, than any other city in the United States. With an average emergency response time of about two minutes, business insurance rates are actually expected to decline as the city's insurance classification continues to improve.

Excellent health and wellness facilities also abound. City-owned North Kansas City Hospital recently completed a $137 million expansion, which will secure its longstanding position as one of the most advanced acute care medical facilities in the Midwest. Other city amenities include a new, 96,000 s.f. community center, over 60 acres of fully equipped parks, and the recently expanded, state of the art public library.

Along with other advantages, North Kansas City's business and resident friendly reputation comes from an enviable tax schedule that is among the lowest in the region. Real estate options are also affordable and plentiful. The city offers an inventory of more than 25 million square feet of industrial / commercial building space and there are living options for almost every lifestyle, from high- rise urban lofts to spacious suburban styled neighborhoods.

The new millennium has brought challenges such as: soaring energy costs; demands for more responsive, efficient services; and a general desire for a more personable and cohesive communities. However, North Kansas City has found that by bringing together the right combination of the best America has to offer into one close-knit community, you really can have it all.