The Independence Council for Economic Development (EDC) was created, in part, 
to assist the City of Independence (City) in expanding and diversifying the economic base of Independence through the attraction and retention of business and industry. The current agreement between the City and EDC was entered into in 2019, 
covering a period of April 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and this Agreement is renewed each year thereafter for an additional one-year term from July 1 to June 30 each year, unless terminated by either party. All compensation for the services of the EDC is subject to annual appropriation by the City. The City currently expends $170,000 for the services of the EDC and an additional $10,000 as pass-through funds to the Kansas City Area Development Council.

An opportunity exists to enhance the City’s local economic development program while increasing operating efficiencies so that financial and human resources dedicated to business retention and recruitment can be 
maximized. This opportunity is predicated on realigning the economic development services of the City under the umbrella of the Independence Chamber of Commerce, of which economic development is one of the six core missions for the organization. This will reduce the duplication of operating expenses and staffing such as accounting & financial management, marketing, and administrative support services which are already existing with the Chamber while make more strategic use of staff and board member's time.

Conversations between the two entities have brought this concept into focus, but additional time is needed to finalize the details and give the Board of Directors for both entities the opportunity to review the final proposal and give their recommendation.