Economic Development

Projects in action

HDAX – Heartland Digital Asset Exchange

The Heartland Digital Asset Exchange (HDAX) is a convening of the Midwest’s most discerning family offices, institutional investors, and innovators with the global vanguard of digital assets and blockchain infrastructure. Hosted in Kansas City, the inaugural HDAX (September 9, 2025) marked a milestone moment for the region — positioning the Heartland as a credible, trusted hub for compliant blockchain finance. Produced by KC Digital Drive, HDAX reflects Kansas City’s growing leadership in digital infrastructure, emerging tech, and innovation-led economic development.

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Regional University Research Collective

The Regional University Research Collective (RURC) is a collective impact initiative led by KC Digital Drive that unites the Kansas City region’s research universities—KU, K-State, and UMKC—with civic, industry, and philanthropic partners to strengthen the region’s innovation economy.

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Miami County Connectivity Council

The Miami County Connectivity Council (MCCC) is an open, collaborative group of organizations committed to ensuring access to the internet and the ability to engage the digital world throughout Miami County, Kansas.

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Digital Life Exchange (DLX)

The Digital Life Exchange (DLX) is a consortium of direct-service organizations and resource providers committed to active collaboration to better meet the digital needs of vulnerable and underserved populations across the greater Kansas City metro area.

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MO Goes Tech

Organizations are invited to apply for the first MO Goes Tech cohort, and each selected organization will receive a $2,000 microgrant that includes $1,000 for a stipend for the staff trainer and $1,000 is unrestricted funds to boost digital service capacity.

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Plays

News

From Research to Action: How Federal Reserve Banks Elevate Research to Bridge the Digital Divide Around the Country

Last month, six Federal Reserve Banks co-hosted the Digital Access Research Forum, which brought together hundreds of researchers, policymakers, and community practitioners from across the country to discuss issues like digital access in rural areas and the economic impacts of digital inclusion. The event was held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and facilitated impactful conversations around digital access research.

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Workforce Development and Bridging the Broadband Gap Take Center Stage at September KC Coalition Meeting

The September 2025 third Friday meeting of the Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion featured presentations on innovative workforce development strategies and tools for analyzing digital disparities. Speakers from Goodwill and Workforce Partnership detailed efforts to provide mobile training and AI-driven job-seeking assistance. A new data tool was introduced to highlight gaps between internet availability and actual household adoption in Kansas City.

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