Community Profile: Raymore, Missouri

Figure 1: Ribbon Cutting for Nuuly

The City of Raymore, located at the intersection of MO Highway 58 and Interstate 49 in Cass County, has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. The recently constructed Raymore Commerce Center, a partnership between the city and local developers VanTrust Real Estate Group, includes three buildings with approximately 2 million sq. ft. of industrial floor space available. There are currently four tenants in the development that have brought approximately 1,000 new jobs to the area, with additional job growth anticipated, according to Jordan Lea, the City’s Economic Development Director.

Additionally, Raymore Commerce Center South, planned on 260 acres just to the south of the present development, is anticipated to bring an additional 3 million sq. ft. of flexibly-zoned industrial space online. VanTrust is actively seeking tenants. The complex project includes an extension of existing roadway, financed in part, by the Governor’s Transportation Cost Share Program. The city is also focused on future commercial development, and they are actively seeking developers for several large parcels in a forthcoming master-planned development. A Chick-fil-A restaurant is currently under construction and slated to open early next year.

Local community leaders are focused on addressing the complex issues accompanying the rapid growth that the area is experiencing. Facilitated through the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency, Cass County Workforce YOU is a collective of Cass County community leaders that have come together to engage in positive, purpose-driven conversations around how to solve complex issues surrounding childcare, transportation, housing and education. The group has conducted well-received Childcare and Transportation Summits that have brought about positive feedback and conversations between providers, community members and subject matter experts. More community members are becoming involved in these discussions, and as a result, there is a positive energy surrounding future economic development challenges in the area.

Author: Ron Seyl, MEDC Communications Committee