Eco-Devo official Joe Gonzales throws a map at a troublemaker

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, is like a chamber of commerce with the power of the purse. The agency receives funding from the city to administer tax-increment financing (TIF) and other incentive programs that make developers squeal with delight.

Competent, conscientious people work at the EDC. But every once in a while, the staff can be conniving. The most recent scheme involves an apparent attempt to use residency requirements to oust a troublemaker.