Now, as a mom, I find myself biking with my daughter and seeing many of those same challenges. And it raises a simple question. Why should something as basic as walking or riding safely still be a challenge in our neighborhoods?

To me, basic services are exactly that: Basic. They should work, they should be consistent, and they should reach every part of our city. Sidewalks you can actually use, streets that are maintained, trash picked up on time, stormwater systems that prevent flooding, city services that respond when you call. That is not a luxury, that is the standard.

But beyond fixing what is broken, we have an opportunity to think bigger about how our neighborhoods connect and function. I believe our infrastructure should bring people together, not limit where they can go.

That means building a city where you can safely walk, bike, or drive to the places that matter in your daily life. Ensuring that parks, schools, business corridors, and community spaces are connected and that families feel comfortable being outside in their own neighborhoods.

It also means investing in the spaces that shape quality of life. We have the chance to turn vacant land into green space, to support urban agriculture that improves food access and neighborhood pride and to create environments within our communities that are not just functional, but welcoming.

And we have to think about connectivity at a larger scale. Projects like expanded transit and stronger mobility networks also means better access to jobs, to education, to culture, and to opportunity across the entire city. At the end of the day, this work is to make sure Kansas City feels like a place that works for you in your everyday life