Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Northland workforce center outlines training campus, seeks small local support after major gifts
Summary
Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose and Northland Workforce Development Center leaders presented plans and renderings for a new skilled‑trades training facility, said major donors have committed tens of millions, and asked neighboring cities to consider small budgetary contributions to close a remaining gap.
Kathy Rose, mayor of Riverside, Missouri, and Brian Noller of the Northland Workforce Development Center told the Kearney Board of Aldermen about plans for a new regional skilled‑trades training campus that organizers say will expand opportunities for students who do not pursue four‑year college degrees.
"I'm here this evening to talk about the Northland workforce development center," Rose said during the presentation, adding that the project already has significant commitments, including a recent $25 million donation from Kansas City. Brian Noller displayed aerial photos and renderings of a site adjacent to Platte Purchase Middle School and described an expo space and classroom areas intended for both high school and adult evening programs.
Presenters said the center has raised large portions of its target and that the current total raised was described in the presentation as "$68,000,000 confirmed," while noting organizers still have a small fundraising gap. They outlined a tentative ceremonial groundbreaking around July 9 (subject to the governor's schedule), a late‑July start to construction and a projected opening for the 2027 school year.
Why it matters: presenters said the center will serve multiple districts across the Northland and could cut typical student travel times from Kearney to the site by about seven minutes one way. Organizers framed the campus as a workforce pipeline to local construction, trades and utility employers and asked cities to consider modest budget contributions to help close the last portion of the capital campaign.
What happens next: presenters offered to share renderings and short videos with board members and left information for interested donors or city staff. No formal action or vote was required of the board at the meeting.
