Neighborhoods and Basic Services

Meeting the basic service needs for all neighborhoods

Services

In the last year, funding for litter clean up, snow removal vehicles, dangerous buildings, street sweeping, bulky item pickup, and street repavement was increased. To keep repaved streets safe and smooth, I sponsored an ordinance to help ensure street conditions are not destroyed by utility projects. The Council also approved the purchase of new, covered recycling bins to help eliminate blowing trash, coming  soon.

Neighborhood Redevelopment and Stabilization

I sponsored legislation to update the Community Improvement District program, offering more transparency and efficiency in how this program is used to redevelop and stabilize neighborhoods.

Housing

Creating sustainable housing in neighborhoods most in need

Housing Trust Fund

I co-sponsored legislation leading to the largest single investment in affordable housing ever made by the C. In its first year, this fund supported nearly 500 new units of affordable housing, with more than 120 transitional units for those experiencing homelessness.

Unique Housing Solutions

I joined Mayor Quinton Lucas’ efforts in supporting accessory dwelling units in Kansas City allowing property owners to legally rent or live in detached dwellings, offering alternatives to those seeking more affordable housing units, and increasing the diversity of our housing stock.

Supporting Historic Neighborhoods

In support of the racially and economically diverse Westside neighborhoods, which have suffered from rapid gentrification and unsustainable property tax increases on longtime homeowners, I sponsored legislation to protect the historic area’s character and future.

Keeping People in their Homes

I introduced Right to Counsel, free legal services for tenants facing eviction. Evictions result in a growing houseless population and destabilize neighborhoods. In the first six months the program exceeded the expectation in need, and also proved to be extremely effective.

Economic Development

Keeping our city moving in the right direction by supporting responsible growth and providing our business community with tools for success.

Economic Development Policies and Tools

In the last year, funding for litter clean up, snow removal vehicles, dangerous buildings, street sweeping, bulky item pickup, and street repavement was increased. To keep repaved streets safe and smooth, I sponsored an ordinance to address utility digs, so street conditions are not destroyed by utility projects. The Council also approved the purchase of new, covered recycling bins to help eliminate blowing trash, which will hit the streets soon.

Unique Retail Solutions

When we need to, we must review and revise legislation to balance small businesses’ desire to evolve their retail concepts with the neighborhood’s desire to maintain a peaceful and safe environment. One area this has worked is the updates to our code of ordinances relating to alcoholic beverages.

Climate Protection and Resiliency

This year the Council completed a two-year long process of updating its Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan, thanks in large part to a steering committee, stakeholders and community members that worked numerous hours to draft the Plan.  I was proud to sponsor the Ordinance adopting the Plan and continue Kansas City’s leadership in addressing climate change and its impacts on communities.

The Council also adopted the ordinance I introduced with respect to the International Energy Conservation Code 2021, which is the most energy efficient building code Kansas City has adopted to date.  While some expressed some concerns about construction costs, the Inflation Reduction Act should allow Kansas City to reduce costs associated with the implementation of the new IECC 2021, which goes into effect on July 1, 2023.

Economic Development

Keeping our city moving in the right direction by supporting responsible growth and providing our business community with tools for success.

Economic Development Policies and Tools

In the last year, funding for litter clean up, snow removal vehicles, dangerous buildings, street sweeping, bulky item pickup, and street repavement was increased. To keep repaved streets safe and smooth, I sponsored an ordinance to address utility digs, so street conditions are not destroyed by utility projects. The Council also approved the purchase of new, covered recycling bins to help eliminate blowing trash, which will hit the streets soon.

Unique Retail Solutions

When we need to, we must review and revise legislation to balance small businesses’ desire to evolve their retail concepts with the neighborhood’s desire to maintain a peaceful and safe environment. One area this has worked is the updates to our code of ordinances relating to alcoholic beverages.

Climate Protection and Resiliency

This year the Council completed a two-year long process of updating its Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan, thanks in large part to a steering committee, stakeholders and community members that worked numerous hours to draft the Plan.  I was proud to sponsor the Ordinance adopting the Plan and continue Kansas City’s leadership in addressing climate change and its impacts on communities.

The Council also adopted the ordinance I introduced with respect to the International Energy Conservation Code 2021, which is the most energy efficient building code Kansas City has adopted to date.  While some expressed some concerns about construction costs, the Inflation Reduction Act should allow Kansas City to reduce costs associated with the implementation of the new IECC 2021, which goes into effect on July 1, 2023.

Violent Crime Prevention

Reducing violent crime in our community through a comprehensive approach with creative solutions and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

KC 360

For the last several months, I have been working in collaboration with KC Common Good in addressing issues related to crime through a program called “KC 360.”  KC 360 is a comprehensive, community-based approach to reduce gun violence and violent crime, build stronger community relations, increase access to education and jobs, and implement responsible justice reforms.

Modeled after Omaha 360, KC 360 focuses on five pillars to address the root causes of violence: prevention, intervention, enforcement support, reentry and reforms, and support services.  I have specifically worked closely with KC 360’s youth employment program, which ensures youth have access to jobs during the summer results in a decrease in violent crime. I will continue to work to expand this program.

KC Blueprint for Violence

In addition to KC 360, the City adopted the KC Blueprint for Violence Prevention and a Safe and Healthy Community.  This Blueprint outlines strategies for local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and community partners to improve the environments where we live and play, learn, work and receive care.  I will continue to work with various stakeholders to address violent crime by, among other things, providing increased access to affordable housing, investing in infrastructure and transportation, ensuring access to jobs created through City-funded projects, and promoting and encouraging small, locally owned businesses.

Diversity and Inclusion

Creating a safe and welcoming environment

It has been my honor to reaffirm the City’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating a safe and welcoming environment for all citizens, workers and visitors.  Highlights include working with the LGBTQ Commission, and hosting the first menorah lighting ceremony at City Hall in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Kansas City and JCRBA|AJC to #ShineALight on, and dispel the darkness of, antisemitism.

Diversity and Inclusion

Creating a safe and welcoming environment

It has been my honor to reaffirm the City’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating a safe and welcoming environment for all citizens, workers and visitors.  Highlights include working with the LGBTQ Commission, and hosting the first menorah lighting ceremony at City Hall in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Kansas City and JCRBA|AJC to #ShineALight on, and dispel the darkness of, antisemitism.