Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC)
The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth within the city through strategic collaboration and support of existing organizations. Historically, EDCKC has aimed to address the city’s challenges by enhancing community infrastructure, workforce development, and housing initiatives. Under new leadership, including Brandon Haggard, the organization is emphasizing a holistic approach that leverages local partnerships, learns from global best practices, and uses major events like the World Cup to boost visibility and inclusive growth. EDCKC’s mission is to strengthen Kansas City’s economic resilience by building interconnected networks that empower community-led initiatives and create lasting positive impacts.
News Summary
Brandon Haggard has returned to the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, bringing a renewed vision focused on collaboration and impactful changes. With previous experience in Brazil and India, Haggard aims to deepen community relationships and enhance existing efforts rather than starting new initiatives. His focus is on learning from global peers while addressing local challenges, promising a strategic approach that draws on the strengths of the local environment. Haggard’s leadership is grounded in humility and a commitment to fostering sustainable growth in Kansas City.
Kansas City, Missouri – Brandon Haggard has returned to the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) with a renewed vision aimed at creating impactful changes within the city. His return marks a significant step in addressing the various challenges faced by the community while fostering collaboration among existing local organizations.
Previously, Haggard spent time living and working in Brazil and India, gaining valuable experience in economic development on an international scale. After reflecting on his career, he recognized a desire to contribute more purposefully to a community, which prompted his decision to return to Kansas City. He sees potential in the city and appreciates its collaborative environment, which he believes is conducive to fostering meaningful changes.
Haggard perceives Kansas City as a place where addressing its challenges is more feasible compared to other major metropolitan areas. He is currently in what he describes as “axe-sharpening mode,” focusing on understanding the intricacies of existing systems and cultivating relationships to tackle the city’s pressing issues effectively. This phase allows him to gather insights and knowledge that will inform his future actions and initiatives.
His strategic approach involves delving into the work already being done by various organizations within the city. Haggard aims to identify who is already making a positive impact and explore how the EDCKC can assist in creating further collaboration rather than just launching new initiatives. This strategy shifts the focus from merely driving new projects to enhancing and supporting the efforts of existing entities that are already contributing to the city’s growth.
Haggard has emphasized the importance of presence and support for existing organizations, advocating that sometimes the best course of action is to reinforce rather than reinvent. He leads with a sense of humility, and faith plays a pivotal role in his leadership style, giving him a foundation upon which to build strong community relationships. His leadership ethos encourages a collaborative mindset, essential for fostering a more united approach to economic development.
A particular area of interest for Haggard is learning from peers in cities across the globe who face similar challenges. He acknowledges that strategies employed in other regions can provide valuable insights and solutions to Kansas City’s issues, particularly those related to housing and workforce development. Haggard’s commitment to sharing knowledge reflects a broader intent to implement best practices tailored to Kansas City’s unique environment.
Looking forward, Haggard is optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead for Kansas City, especially with significant events like the World Cup on the horizon. He aims to harness these global events to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and believes the city is poised to benefit greatly from increased visibility and engagement on a worldwide platform. His vision encompasses a commitment to helping build a city that he believes in, viewing it as a worthy investment for the future.
As Haggard immerses himself in his role at the EDCKC, his holistic approach to economic development aims to create a more interconnected community, facilitating tangible solutions to the challenges Kansas City faces. Through building collaborative networks and ensuring that existing efforts are strengthened, he aspires to leave a lasting impact on the city and its residents.
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Additional Resources
- Startland News: Brandon Haggard Returns to EDCKC
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
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- Google Search: Kansas City Economic Development
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: City
- Speaks Chapel: Obituary for Thomas Haggard
- Google News: Kansas City Events
