Want to know more about the WYEDC, check out our FAQ for answers to common questions!

The Wyandotte Economic Development Council is an independent organization driving economic growth in Wyandotte County, Kansas. We collaborate with public and private partners to support business expansion, attract new investment, and increase local employment. Although we operate separately from the government, we maintain a close working relationship with the Unified Government, City of Bonner Springs, City of Edwardsville, Kansas Commerce and other local and regional entities to advance shared development goals.

WYEDC measures its success by economic growth. In the last ten years, we have helped bring in $6.1 billion in investment and helped create or keep over 19,000 jobs. Our work includes projects in industry, business, housing, and workforce across the county.

WYEDC has four main focus areas that guide our work and how we use resources. These areas match what businesses need and support long-term economic goals.

Key functions include:

• Business attraction to bring new companies and investment into the county
• Business retention and expansion to support existing employers
• Workforce solutions to connect employers with skilled labor
• Marketing to promote Wyandotte County to site selectors and investors

The organization also helps maintain a sites and buildings database, connects companies with incentives, and supports redevelopment. All of these efforts aim to create jobs, grow incomes, and expand the tax base.

WYEDC is easy to reach for businesses, site selectors, and residents who need information or help. Our team answers questions about projects, site selection, and workforce needs.

Contact details:

• Address: 727 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101
• Phone: 913.371.3198
• Email: info@wyedc.org

You can also reach out to staff directly if you have questions about a specific project. WYEDC recommends contacting us early for site selection or expansion planning.

Economic development means building a stronger local economy by creating jobs, growing businesses, and attracting investment . In Wyandotte County, this work aims to raise household incomes and give more people access to steady jobs.

Residents benefit through:

• More job opportunities across skill levels
• Increased wages over time
• Improved public services funded by tax revenue
• Access to training and career pathways

Economic development also helps improve infrastructure, housing, and community services. These changes improve the quality of life for residents and support long-term financial stability.

Economic development needs teamwork between businesses, government, and community partners.

The organization works in partnership to:

• Align public and private investment so that shared priorities move forward cohesively.
• Support business decision-making with data, insights, and collaborative guidance tailored to partner needs.
• Coordinate the use of incentive programs and development tools in ways that strengthen collective outcomes.
• Monitor economic trends and refine strategy together to ensure Wyandotte County stays competitive and resilient.

This setup helps respond quickly to business needs and supports steady long-term planning. We also make sure local priorities are included in every project.

Businesses often face challenges like finding the right site, hiring workers, and getting funding. WYEDC helps lower these barriers and offers clear solutions.

Support services include:

• Site identification and property data
• Workforce connections and training programs
• Access to incentives and financing tools
• Coordination with local and state agencies

These services are available to both new and existing businesses. The goal is to help companies run smoothly and grow over time.

Wyandotte County has a great location, strong infrastructure, and cost advantages that help businesses succeed. Being part of the Kansas City region gives easy access to major markets and transportation.

Key advantages include:

• Central U.S. location with access to 85 percent of the national market within two days
• Strong highway, rail, and air connections
• Available industrial and commercial land
• Lower cost of living compared to national averages

Wyandotte County is home to many industries, including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and food production. This mix lowers risk and helps keep supply chains strong.

Businesses in Wyandotte County can connect with local, regional, and state partners . These groups offer technical help, funding, and industry know-how.

Available resources include:

• Local government services and permitting support
• State programs for workforce and tax incentives
• Regional organizations with industry specialization
• Nonprofit partners that support small business development

WYEDC connects businesses with these groups. We help companies find the right resources for their needs and stage of growth.

Wyandotte County has several local incentive programs to support new projects and redevelopment . These programs help lower upfront costs and make projects more possible.

Common local incentives include:

• Community Improvement Districts
• Economic Development Rider programs
• Neighborhood Revitalization Areas
• Tax abatement through Industrial Revenue Bonds and other tools
• Tax Increment Financing
• Opportunity Zones
• Reinvestment Housing Incentive District

Each program has its own rules and application steps. WYEDC helps businesses through the process and works with the Unified Government.

Businesses in Wyandotte County can use many Kansas and federal incentive programs . These programs help with investment, job creation, and workforce training.

Examples include:

• High Performance Incentive Program
• Promoting Employment Across Kansas
• Sales and machinery tax exemptions
• New Market Tax Credits
• Workforce training grants
• Low Income Housing Tax Credits

These programs often work together with local incentives. WYEDC helps put together incentive packages that fit project goals and meet requirements.

WYEDC puts a strong focus on keeping and growing existing businesses . Current employers are an important source of new jobs and investment.

The organization regularly visits company sites and talks with business leaders. These meetings help identify challenges, workforce needs, and plans to grow.

Programs developed from this work include:

• Workforce Solutions Program
• HR roundtables for employers
• Industry-specific training partnerships
• Manufacturing workforce initiatives

These efforts lead to real results, like business expansions, new investments, and more jobs.

WYEDC tracks the results of its work with existing businesses to see the impact. Information from business interviews helps shape programs and guide decisions.

Recent results include:

• 11 expansions or redevelopment announcements in 2025
• 787,972 square feet of development
• $537.8 million in investment
• 162 net new jobs

These results show the value of working directly with employers and offering targeted support. The program keeps changing to meet industry needs.

Wyandotte County is home to many different industries with strong ties to the region and the nation. This variety helps supply chains and workforce development.

Major industries include :

• Food and agribusiness
• Healthcare and life sciences
• Logistics and distribution
• Advanced manufacturing
• Retail and tourism

These industries include both big employers and small businesses. Many companies have grown in the county because of its location and strong workforce.

Logistics is important in the county because of its strong transportation network. The Kansas City area is a major hub for moving freight.

Key logistics assets include:

• Five Class I railroads serve the region.
• Major interstate highway connections
• Access to Kansas City International Airport
• High volume of warehouse and distribution space

These resources help move goods quickly and reliably. Companies save on transportation costs and get better access to supply chains.

Wyandotte County offers good infrastructure, access to workers, and available land to help businesses operate. These factors lower risk and help with long-term planning.

Location advantages include:

• Central access to national markets
• Large regional labor pool
• Competitive real estate costs
• Strong transportation network

The county continues to invest in infrastructure and redevelopment. This helps both new projects and the growth of existing sites.

Wyandotte County has a workforce with a wide range of educational levels and skills . Employers can find both entry-level and skilled workers in the county and the region.

Workforce data highlights include:

• Over 82,000 employed individuals
• Strong representation in healthcare, retail, logistics, and manufacturing
• A growing number of workers with postsecondary education

The county also benefits from people commuting from nearby areas. Employers can hire workers from all over the Kansas City region.

WYEDC partners with employers, schools, and training groups to match workforce supply with what industries need. Programs help people build careers and develop skills.

Key efforts include:

• Career guides for students and educators
• Partnerships with training providers
• Industry-specific workforce programs
• Data analysis of job trends and skills gaps

These programs help residents find steady jobs and make it easier for employers to hire the right people.

Wyandotte County’s cost of living is lower than the national average . This helps attract and keep workers in the area.

Key cost factors include:

• Overall cost of living is about 16.7 percent below the U.S. average.
• Lower housing costs compared to nearby counties
• Competitive costs for transportation and daily expenses

Lower costs mean residents can keep more of their income. This helps families stay stable and supports local businesses.

Wyandotte County has entertainment, sports, and local business districts. Being part of the Kansas City region gives even more cultural and recreational choices.

Notable amenities include:

• Major sports venues and events
• Retail and entertainment districts
• Local restaurants and small businesses
• Access to regional attractions in Kansas City

The county’s diverse population brings many cultural experiences and community events.