Contact Information

Community Development Director Mike Duffy                                                                                         EMAIL -         mduffy@riversidemo.gov

Community Development

rsmo2010_124Riverside's central location, excellent access to transportation networks, commitment to quality development, pro-business stance and dedication to top notch public infrastructure and services has established it as the premier place for business.  Progress is all around, and it's especially visible in our local businesses.  The community is bursting with vision and partnership, and a commitment to make Riverside an even better place to live and work. 

Location and Transportation.  Riverside is centrally located within the Kansas City metro area and possesses a highly connected transportation network.  Both Kansas City International Airport (KCI) and the Kansas City Downtown Airport (Wheeler Airport) are just minutes away.  Major thoroughfares including I-635, US Hwy 69 and MO Hwy 9 crisscross the community while the intersection of Interstates 35 and 70 is only a five minutes' drive and access to Interstate 29 is located at Riverside's northern boundary line.  Recently constructed and upgraded highway interchanges on I-635 and Hwy 9, plus a commitment to an exceptional local street network allow quick and easy access to and from Riverside.  (Maps or links to maps)

Pro-Business Climate.  The City of Riverside is a pro-business community, sharing a close relationship with its corporate citizens.  Riverside offers a very favorable costs to do business. Businesses in Riverside pay NO city property tax and employees are exempt from the 1% earnings tax levied on workers in Kansas City proper.  Additionally, businesses enjoy a low sales tax rate (6%) and low permitting and license fees. 

Riverside is not only financially friendly, but also strives to find creative solutions to attract new companies and retain and expand existing ones.  The City government works closely with businesses and developers to provide quick reviews and approvals.  A 2012 study by the KC chapter of the Society for Industrial Office Realtors and the University of Missouri-Kansas City's Lewis White Real Estate Center rated Riverside #1 in the KC metro area in terms of quickest approval times and low development fees.

Top Notch Public Infrastructure and Services.  Riverside continues to put significant capital investment ($96.4 million over the past five years) in both new infrastructure and maintenance, helping to ensure businesses have the necessary public facilities to thrive.  More than 90 percent of businesses that responded to the 2012 ETCSurvey were either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with street maintenance and police services.  Businesses rated the overall quality of services provided by the City at 89 percent.