Closer to a Truce in an Economic Development Border War

The border between Kansas and Missouri has long been the grounds for acts of "jobs piracy"—also known as offering larger and more lucrative tax and financial incentives to bring new business across state borders.

1 minute read

April 18, 2016, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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"Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback made a proposal Thursday to end the economic development border war with Missouri," reports Brian Kaberline. More specifically, explains Kaberline, "Brownback’s plan calls for both states to agree not to actively recruit companies in Wyandotte, Johnson, Leavenworth and Douglas counties in Kansas and Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass and Ray counties in Missouri."

The article includes details about exactly what policy and funding mechanisms will be off limits in the new truce. For Kansas, that means amendments to the Promoting Employment Across Kansas (PEAK) program. In Missouri, the agreement will depend on amendments to the Missouri Works program, which have already been put in motion by Governor Jay Nixon. Kaberline also describes the likelihood of both states acting in time during the 2016 legislative session to fully ratify the trust.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 in Kansas City Business Journal

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