Mark R. Coulter

Experience

Mark has significant experience negotiating incentives from both the public and private side of transactions and has worked with site selectors and economic development professionals from across the country to secure some of the largest project and incentive awards in the state of Missouri. His clients look to him not only for legal input, but also to help build consensus among parties and provide win-win outcomes. Building these business-based relationships based on his experience on behalf of both public and private interests allows him to be efficient and effective in his negotiation tactics providing tremendous value to his clients. His practice area involves public law, economic development incentives, infrastructure, government affairs, and public-private partnerships. Utilizing his in-house experience, Mark is adept at managing and coordinating moving pieces in complex transactions to provide a comprehensive, executive-level approach to meet his client’s needs. In addition to his private development work, Mark also continues to work with Port Authorities in multiple states on a variety of projects, ranging from land acquisition, infrastructure development or organizational structure and management.

Prior to joining the Rouse Frets White Goss Gentile Rhodes, P.C., Mark served as General Counsel for the Port Authority of Kansas City, Missouri (Port KC) for over a decade where he was a key contributor in building Port KC into a highly regarded organization with more than $26 billion in incentivized projects utilizing Chapter 68 bonds. Mark served as attorney of record for Port KC for the formation of the first Kansas City Streetcar Transportation Development District (TDD) along with the Kansas City Streetcar Authority. He was instrumental in the drafting and passage of the Advanced Industrial Manufacturing Zone (AIM Zone) legislation which is used by ports and economic development professionals across Missouri to provide incentives and revenue for projects. Utilizing the AIM Zone, Mark was instrumental in securing the relocation of the USDA Economic Research Service for Kansas City, Missouri. His work includes the organization, vision, and execution of a large-scale P3 intermodal facility currently underway, a role he continues to support at the firm as outside counsel.

Areas of Practice

• • Public Law
  • Government Relations
  • Economic Development Incentives
  • Municipal Law & Governance
  • Land Use & Zoning

Activities and Memberships

• Missouri Arts Council Member, Appointed by the Lt. Governor of Missouri, 2022-present
• Board of Directors, Starlight Theater – 2023-present, Executive Committee 2024-present
• Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce – Government Affairs Committee Chair 2022-23
• WWI Museum and Memorial Night at the Tower Host Committee
• Lifetime Member, Disabled American Veterans
• Association of Corporate Counsel – Mid-America Chapter, former Board Member and President
• Clinton County R-III School Board, elected 2017-2022, President 2021-2022
• Missouri Bar Association Annual Meeting and Judicial Conference Planning Committee Member, 2013 and 2014
• President, Veteran’s Legal Association of Washburn (VLAW) 2008-2009
• Army National Guard – 1996 to 2005