MY RECORD

I secured $20 million to build the first publicly funded parking garage on Kansas City’s East Side—right in the 18th & Vine District. This garage isn’t just a structure; it’s a catalyst. By solving a major infrastructure barrier, this garage made possible the $50 million Marriott hotel development now underway in 18th & Vine, while unlocking even more potential for investment, activity, and revitalization in one of our city’s most historic and culturally significant neighborhoods. From new housing and retail to jobs and entertainment, this project paves the way—literally and strategically—for the future of 18th & Vine. It also serves as a training site for Kansas City students through my KC FutureBuilders program, giving young people real-world job experience and direct access to high-wage careers in construction. This is what it looks like to invest in legacy, access, and opportunity—all at once. Platform Issue: Improved Basic Services, Good Paying Jobs with Benefits, Youth Advocacy Read More: KC Jazz District prepares for more traffic ahead of museum expansion with added parking | Kansas City Star 18th and Lydia Parking Garage | City of Kansas City, MO Kansas City breaks ground on 18th and Vine parking garage ahead of World Cup | Fox4KC Kansas City breaks ground on new parking garage in 18th & Vine | Spectrum News $20M project expected to remove key barrier to unlocking 18th & Vine vibrancy: parking | Startland News

I secured $1 million in funding for the 18th Street Pedestrian Plaza, a major step forward in transforming the 18th & Vine District. This project will redesign 18th Street between The Paseo and Vine Street into a pedestrian-friendly plaza, with widened sidewalks, new lighting, outdoor seating, and flexible event space for festivals, dining, and cultural programming. The goal is simple: increase foot traffic, attract new businesses, and make the district safer and more accessible for residents and visitors alike. This investment complements the more than $400 million in economic development projects I’ve been working on in the 18th & Vine District—all focused on breathing new life into this historic area and restoring its place as an economic and cultural hub for Kansas City. Together with the new parking garage, retail, and housing developments, the Pedestrian Plaza is helping create a walkable, vibrant district that honors its legacy while driving its future. Platform Issue: Improved Basic Services Read More: 18th and Vine gets pedestrian mall to boost walkability | Kansas City Star Kansas City's 18th and Vine pedestrian plaza planned | Fox4KC Transforming Kansas City's Historic 18th and Vine District | American Planning Association 18th Vine Pedestrian Mall Gets $1.4 Million | T&B

As a city, our population is steadily increasing, but our affordable housing stock is not, exacerbating an existing crisis. To address this, I wanted to hear directly from the people on the frontlines of building homes. I hosted three homebuilder listening sessions to better understand the process of developing housing in Kansas City and the challenges builders face. These sessions were a true success. They gave me invaluable insight into the barriers that slow or stop affordable housing projects, and they’re helping shape my work to make our city’s processes more efficient and builder-friendly while not compromising on the quality that tenants deserve. By making the home-building process better on the front end, we can decreased overall housing prices on the back-end.

When I talk about safety, I don’t just mean policing—I also mean supporting the small business owners who are the heart of our neighborhoods. That’s why I co-sponsored the Back to Business Grant Program, a $325,000 fund to help local businesses recover from vandalism and property crime. This grant helps small businesses get back on their feet with up to $3,000 for damage repairs and up to $5,000 for installing security and surveillance equipment. I’ve heard directly from small business owners in the 3rd District and across the city who are doing everything right—and still end up paying the price when crime happens. This program ensures they aren’t facing those challenges alone. We’re keeping doors open, protecting jobs, and showing up for the people who make our neighborhoods thrive. Platform Issue: Improved Basic Services, Enhanced Public Safety, Good Paying Jobs with Benefits Read More: Kansas City Back to Business fund now accepting applications | Fox4KC