The Kansas City Area Development Council marks milestone at 2026 Annual Meeting, announces OneKC Roof on Rock Island Bridge
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (November 12, 2026) — More than 2,000 business and civic leaders gathered today for the Kansas City Area Development Council’s (KCADC) sold-out 2026 Annual Meeting, bringing together partners from across the region to celebrate a milestone year and reflect on the collaboration that has driven the economic growth of the OneKC region over the last half-century.
The event, themed around Connection, featured remarks from renowned keynote speaker and best-selling author Adam Grant, alongside regional business and civic leaders reflecting on KCADC’s history and the opportunities ahead. KCADC and its regional partners also reported 2026 results of 996 new jobs, $114.3 million in payroll, $8.9 billion in capital investment and more than 8.7 million square feet of development across the OneKC region.
“Connection has driven KCADC’s mission for five decades,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of KCADC. “This year, as the world turned its attention to our region, we saw firsthand what that collaboration can make possible, and the relationships built will open doors for years to come. The strength of this region has always been its people and our willingness to work together. That’s what will define our next 50 years — and beyond.”
As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, KCADC announced the OneKC Roof on the Rock Island Bridge, a new regional landmark that will put the OneKC brand atop the bridge that symbolically connects Kansas and Missouri over the Kansas River. Joining to celebrate the announcement were Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, Christal Watson, Mayor Pro Tem of Kansas City, Missouri, Ryana Parks-Shaw, and founder and CEO of the Rock Island Bridge, Michael Zeller.
Made possible through the support and partnership of Mercer Zimmerman, Mark One, Multistudio, Flying Truss LLC and Midtown Signs, the OneKC marquee will serve as more than a visual statement. It will symbolize the shared identity, economic strength and regional partnerships that make the OneKC region stronger together.
KCADC is developing a robust communications activation strategy to maximize the landmark’s visibility, amplifying its regional significance and engaging audiences ahead of and following its anticipated completion in spring 2027.
“Kansas City has a strong foundation and tremendous opportunity ahead, and the OneKC Roof on the Rock Island Bridge is a visible symbol of what we already know: our region is strongest when we work as one,” said David Campbell, Evergy CEO and KCADC senior co-chair. “We embark on the next 50 years with well-grounded confidence and excitement.”
Founded in 1976, KCADC was established by Kansas City-area business and civic leaders, including Henry W. Bloch of H&R Block and Donald J. Hall of Hallmark. Recognizing that the two-state Kansas City region could accomplish more by working together, its founders created a unified approach to compete for business investment and tell the Kansas City story to the world.
Over the past 50 years, KCADC and its regional partners have attracted more than 72,000 jobs and $27.2 billion in capital investment to the OneKC region. The organization has also launched and advanced initiatives that strengthen key industries and regional competitiveness, including industrial-focused KC SmartPort, the KC Animal Health Corridor, talent-focused TeamKC and design and construction-focused KC Global Design.
KCADC’s milestone year coincides with a banner year for the Kansas City region, which gained significant international exposure as a host city for FIFA World Cup 26™. The region welcomed approximately 680,000 visitors, and KCADC served as a key partner in the region’s efforts to engage international business audiences. Through KC•House, match hosting and other engagement opportunities, KCADC hosted international business leaders, dignitaries and site consultants, leading to key business opportunities now in the pipeline.
KCADC also ranked No. 2 among the nation’s “best in class” regional economic development organizations in Development Counsellors International’s (DCI) 2026 Winning Strategies in Economic Development study. The organization has ranked among the nation’s top three in every DCI survey since 2014.
“Kansas City has never been a region that waits for opportunity to come to us. We bring people together, make a compelling case for this region and get to work. That approach has served us well for 50 years, and with the momentum we have today, I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead. The next 50 years will be shaped by what we choose to do together,” said Cowden.
About the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)
The Kansas City Area Development Council is an economic development nonprofit that promotes the OneKC region’s business and lifestyle assets to companies and talent around the world. Working closely with its two states and 50-plus county and community partners, the region has attracted more than 72,000 new jobs and $27.2 billion over its 50-year history. KCADC also leads the efforts behind the KC Animal Health Corridor, KC SmartPort, TeamKC and KC Global Design. | onekc.org
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