KCATA faced several challenges in 2023, as they recovered from the impact of COVID and faced funding constraints, governance issues, and a growing region. The Board brought InfraStrategies and Foursquare ITP onboard to develop an update to the strategic business plan that develops building blocks to move KCATA forward toward a better future by addressing the key issues of funding and financial sustainability, operational reliability and resiliency, innovation, operational efficiency, equity, diversity & inclusion and workforce development. Updating the strategic plan is a critical step for KCATA - an opportunity to be responsive to the socio-economic shifts and technological changes that have occurred in the last year.

Our integrated team built upon previous plans to develop a strategic plan that reflects the Board of Commissioners’ direction and initiatives for the next five years: FY2024-2029. The team kicked off the analysis with a needs assessment that reviewed the current state of the Authority, internal and external factors affecting funding, service deliver and operations. Working with KCATA, the team identified the overarching framework, goals, objectives and expectations in a Strategic Framework. Building on this information, we developed funding strategies to achieve the framework, identified approaches to short and long-lead special events, and explored innovation and technological aspects within a phased schedule. The inFOCUS plan incorporates stakeholder engagement and public involvement, and is was released to the public in August 2024 following Board approval. The team will continue to perform follow-on implementation work.

KCATA is aware of the need for new perspectives and the need for transformation. The unprecedented global changes present the authority with a unique opportunity along with unparalleled timing to enhance its strategic initiatives.