Projects
Projects and partnerships driving a more connected, innovative Kansas City.
Community Technology Action Network
The Community Technology Action Network (CTAN) connects 23 community organizations with Kansas City’s broader technology and innovation ecosystem. Convened by KC Digital Drive, the consortium creates space for members to learn about emerging technologies, identify shared challenges, shape potential solutions, and explore collaborative projects. CTAN helps organizations connect with expertise and resources while bringing community priorities into the development of technology for the public good.
Coalition for Equity and Opportunity (CEO)
The Coalition for Equity and Opportunity (CEO) brings community organizations and residents together to address barriers to economic mobility for adults living in low-income housing in Kansas City. Led by Phoenix Family, the coalition connects expertise in childcare, transportation, digital access, and workforce opportunity. KC Digital Drive contributes digital expertise through a dedicated Digital Resource Coordinator who will help residents access devices and affordable internet, build digital skills, navigate online services, and connect with community resources.
KC Civic Innovation
KC Civic Innovation is a regional cabinet of local government innovation leaders working together to address shared public challenges. Convened by KC Digital Drive, it brings together Kansas City, Missouri; the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas; Johnson County, Kansas; and the Mid-America Regional Council. The cabinet shares knowledge, identifies common priorities, and evaluates opportunities for technology pilots, research partnerships, and funding—building the region’s capacity to collaborate across jurisdictions and advance practical solutions.
Midwest Materials Manufacturing Accelerator
KC Digital Drive is strengthening Kansas City’s lab-to-market pipeline for biologics and critical materials through research, ecosystem mapping, and commercialization strategy. Working with regional universities and innovation partners, the Midwest Materials Manufacturing Accelerator identifies promising research, assesses entrepreneurial resources, and recommends new pathways to bring scientific discoveries to market. The initiative supports Kansas City’s emerging advanced manufacturing economy by connecting research, industry, investment, and entrepreneurship to create opportunities for new companies, high-value jobs, and regional economic growth.
KCMO Public Health Innovation
KC Digital Drive is partnering with the Kansas City, Missouri Health Department to identify operational challenges, explore emerging technologies, and test new approaches to improving public health services. Through collaborative discovery, innovation teams, and solution prototyping, the initiative is turning six priority challenges into opportunities for practical change. Beyond individual solutions, the project aims to build lasting innovation capacity within local government, creating a repeatable model for problem-solving that could extend to other city departments and public agencies across the region.
Johnson County Broadband Plan
KC Digital Drive partnered with Johnson County, Kansas, to develop a Broadband and Digital Access Plan that identifies connectivity gaps, assesses digital access needs, and outlines 47 recommendations for the future. Developed through data analysis, community engagement, and policy research, the plan provides a roadmap for expanding broadband access, strengthening digital resources, and helping the County navigate evolving technology needs.
Jackson County Broadband Plan
KC Digital Drive is leading the development of the Jackson County Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan. This strategic initiative assesses existing broadband infrastructure, identifies service gaps, and engages community stakeholders to bridge the digital divide. By analyzing market competition, affordability, and digital skills, the project will guide the County’s strategy and investment in helping county residents fully participate in digital life.
Maternal Health Data Regional Summit
Maternal mortality is a key indicator of a nation’s overall health, yet the maternal health process is so fragmented (or ignored) that the US has the highest mortality/morbidity rates among rich countries. Underlying this, data availability, flow, quality, and completeness across the perinatal episode are abysmal. Much of what is available is still being faxed. Help us bring maternal/infant health data to a level that they actually drive the delivery of care.
DLX Device Access Program
Device Access is a core feature of the Digital Life Exchange (DLX), administered by KC Digital Drive, providing members with access to shared device resources, including laptops and Chromebooks, for distribution and support across the Kansas City region.
Tech Central
Tech Central is where Kansas City’s tech ecosystem comes to life. Anchored by KC Digital Drive and the KC Tech Council, it’s a shared space built for connection, collaboration, and momentum. This is where ideas get real, where builders and leaders come together, and where tomorrow starts—right in the middle of what’s next.