'Big 5' off to an encouraging start
Lots of small things have to happen for the “Big 5” to succeed in improving this region.
So far, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce officials are making good moves to promote the five ideas they selected last year to build stronger neighborhoods and attract more jobs to the region.
First the chamber put a strong cast of leaders in charge of championing each idea. That makes them responsible for achieving results.
Then the chamber made good last week on its promise to provide quarterly updates on what’s happening with the Big 5. That emphasizes the need to have something tangible to report to the public every three months.
It’s encouraging to see in the first report that progress is being made on the key initiative to revitalize urban neighborhoods. The basic idea is to boost access to good jobs, enhance health care and reduce crime in a targeted neighborhood — to be selected soon — and later move on to other neighborhoods.
On a second Big 5 idea, University of Missouri-Kansas City officials say three studies will examine the potential of moving the school’s Conservatory of Music and Dance to downtown. It’s especially crucial to investigate how this could positively or negatively affect the main UMKC campus near the Country Club Plaza.
Of the three other ideas, one is now a long way off, as chamber officials say a global symposium on animal health could be held in 2014. Goals to enhance entrepreneurship in the region and to boost medical research are leaning on existing agencies to put together future plans.
The Big 5 project could have a lasting and positive effect on this region if it gets strong leadership from its champions and clear planning that focuses on realistic goals.
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