Jordan Berger

The meeting commenced with the review and adoption of the October minutes. A significant portion of the discussion focused on updates from the OEQ report, including the successful achievement of full staffing (all 11 positions) by mid-December, including a new Senior Environmental Officer. Key funding updates included ongoing negotiations for a $12 million tree grant with the federal government and a newly secured $1 million Brownfields program grant related to lead in the community, which includes funding for a new Environmental Justice Advocate position. The commission discussed planning for future grant applications, specifically creating a streamlined process for submitting ideas for the CPRG funding, requiring shovel-ready projects within one year. Discussions also covered the implementation status of new building codes, noting that the jurisdiction is in full implementation since July and seeking feedback on builder compliance and regional coordination. Further discussions involved the status of various committees at Mark, including appointment struggles and the role of the Climate and Environment Council in implementing the regional plan, noting overlaps with local EV charging initiatives. Finally, there was an inquiry into updates regarding the Blue River Project's Climate Protection Steering Committee concerning renewable natural gas.

Kansas City is implementing a comprehensive plan to ensure access to quality housing and economic opportunities for all residents. The strategic approach involves transforming vacant properties and deteriorating structures, revitalizing historic buildings while constructing new mixed-income housing, creating quality jobs, and empowering small businesses through workforce development. These initiatives are supported by layering various financial resources, including the housing trust fund, CDBG, Section 108 loans, tax credits, and private financing. The overall vision is to improve the health, stability, and equity of all Kansas citizens, driving smarter growth and inclusive prosperity that leads to flourishing communities.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgments to volunteer commissioners and city staff, followed by the formal call to order for the redistricting commissioning. The discussion centered on the redistricting process, guided by principles such as equity, integrity, transparency, and respect, ensuring compliance with federal laws and state charter regarding population distribution, community interests, and compact district shapes. Key data points discussed included the new total city population (508,090) leading to a target district population of approximately 84,000 people. The commission reviewed three potential map scenarios (7-1, 8-4, and 8-6) developed after extensive public feedback, focusing on maintaining or improving representation for minority communities (specifically Black population percentages in Districts 3 and 5, and Hispanic population representation in District 4), while adhering to the ten percent rule for population variance.

The session focused on gathering information and personal stories related to disparities affecting the Black community in Kansas City across several areas, including housing, economic development, and the education system. Specific discussions highlighted barriers in homeownership, such as difficulties navigating the mortgage process despite financial preparedness, and severe challenges within the healthcare system experienced by self-employed citizens, Medicaid recipients, and the uninsured, illustrated by stories concerning out-of-network care and insurance affordability. The importance of storytelling and active listening was emphasized to understand the impact of historical and current barriers.

The meeting focused on approving prior meeting minutes and addressing project agenda items, particularly a holdover project concerning the 27th Street Town Home Phase 2. Significant discussion occurred regarding the performance on Phase 1 of that project, specifically the failure to meet established Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) goals, with current achievement levels noted as 9% MBE and 5% WBE against goals of 15% and 13% respectively, while the project was 60% complete. Due to the lack of clear information regarding Phase 1 performance and concerns about proceeding with Phase 2 goals under these conditions, the board voted to table the 27th Street Town Home project for another month to allow HRD to provide accurate data and potentially schedule a sidebar discussion on legal implications. A second project, involving the construction of 80 market-rate and affordable residential units near 19th and Vine (Project 2021-0062191), was also discussed, with differing recommended goals between the department (15% MBE, 14% WBE) and HRD (15% MBE, 10% WBE). The developer, Calvin Simmons, noted challenges securing WBE participation but expressed a desire to move forward.