KC Rising was launched by the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City in 2015 in response to the Prosperity at a Crossroads economic report produced by the Mid-America Regional Council and the Brookings Institute.

The report showed the Kansas City metropolitan area was growing but not at the same rate, in many economic categories, as our peer metros. Thus, KC Rising was launched to align and accelerate the region’s growth.

KC Rising receives its primary funding and resources through its 4 civic support organizations: the Kansas City Area Development Council, the Mid – America Regional Council, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Additional funding comes from grants and contributions.