Kansas City, MO is investing in the future of its workforce, providing more career paths to young kids and adult learners than might normally be offered. On April 17th, City Council voted to commit $25 million towards creating the new Northland Workforce Development Center. (NWDC) The City describes the project as a “cutting-edge training hub designed to meet regional demand for skilled labor and modernize the existing Northland Career Center.”
Organized labor has largely supported the $74 million project, which has also brought in significant financial dollars from the state and private money. The State of Missouri invested $37 million into the project and another $5.8 million had been raised prior to the City’s commitment. With Kansas City’s money, the project now sits at close to $68 million raised.
The project is being led by the Northland Workforce Development Center Corporation, a 501(c)(3) founded in 2023.
“Over the past several years, we have turned a dream into an idea, then into a concept, into a plan. Now, with this contribution from the City of Kansas City, we will make the Northland Workforce Development Center a reality,” said Brian Noller, Northland Workforce Development Center Campaign Lead.
The City’s funding ordinance earned broad Council support, including having Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilmembers Kevin O’Neill, Nathan Willett, Lindsay French, Melissa Robinson, Ryana Parks-Shaw, Crispin Rea, Johnathan Duncan, Wes Rogers, and Andrea Bough sponsor the ordinance.
“IAFF Local 42 proudly supports the Northland Workforce Development Center and its mission to prepare students for careers in the fire service. This program offers high schoolers a unique, life-changing opportunity to begin their training early. By developing essential skills and a sense of duty, these students will be ready to serve our community with pride and professionalism. We are excited for the future of this program— it will help build and inspire the next generation of firefighters,” said Dan Heizman, President, IAFF Local No. 42.
“Kansas City’s growth over the next generation will be dictated by the workers we can develop and attract,” said Mayor Lucas. The City’s investment in the Northland Workforce Development Center represents our commitment to building the region’s economic future while also investing in one of the fastest growing areas in our entire region and state. The partnership between the city, state, and Northland Workforce Development Center Corporation demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together toward a shared vision of prosperity for all Kansas Citians.”
The new facility will replace the existing Platte City campus and expand programming to serve both high school students and adult learners. The upgraded campus will feature modern labs, classrooms, and industry-driven programs in healthcare, construction, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
Kansas City’s investment is financed through taxable special obligation bonds generated from new development revenue near the project site. The agreement includes strategic provisions to ensure lasting community benefit:
- No ongoing financial or operational obligations for the City
- Free facility access for community events, job fairs, and City-led training programs
- Discounted tuition for City employees
In addition, the ordinance directs the City Manager to explore potential satellite training sites across Kansas City to reduce transportation barriers and expand access.
Tristin Amezcua-Hogan is the Editor of The Labor Beacon and a member of LIUNA Local 264. Tristin also serves as the Director of Communications for the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO and the Chair of the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance.
Tristin grew up as the son of a UA Local 669 member in Tecumseh, KS and the great-nephew of George C. Amis, longtime leader of the United Rubberworkers (now USW Local 307) in Kansas. Growing up in rural Kansas as the child of teen parents, Tristin quickly came to appreciate the life-changing benefit of a union job.
Tristin and his partner, Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan, are residents of the Westside, Kansas City, MO's historic Mexican neighborhood. They are proud members of Kansas City's New Reform Temple.
