MY RECORD

I’m proud to have launched the MPH Housing Accelerator, piloting in the Washington Wheatley neighborhood. When I was a professor at UMKC, I used to drive through the neighborhood on my way to work. I couldn’t help but notice the striking number of vacant, blighted lots in the area. That stayed with me—and it became the driving force behind the Housing Accelerator. In Washington Wheatley alone, there are over 800 vacant lots. The Housing Accelerator focuses on 49 of these lots, transforming them into affordable housing and community spaces. This program addresses blight and creates sustainable and long-term solutions for Kansas City families. The vision is simple: rapidly revitalize these vacant lots to create affordable housing where it's needed most, with the voices of the community leading the way. This initiative is about more than just building homes, transforming neighborhoods, and providing opportunities for Kansas City families. After the Washington Wheatley pilot is complete, you should expect the model to expand, and I’m committed to bringing this success to other areas of the 3rd District and eventually across the city. Platform Issue: Diverse Housing for All Read More: MPH Housing Accelerator Program | City of Kansas City, MO $1 home lots program hopes to revitalize Washington Wheatley neighborhood | KSBH MPH Housing Accelerator | Fox4KC KC debuts housing accelerator as answer to 'haphazard' East Side development | The KC Business Journal HOUSE BY HOUSE, A KANSAS CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BEGAN TO DISAPPEAR. CAN IT BE REBUILT? | KC Star Housing Accelerator looks to KC’s Washington Wheatley neighborhood first | Fox4KC

To add on to the success of the MPH Housing Accelerator, I led the City to secure $6 million in EPA Brownfields Grants for the Washington Wheatley Housing Accelerator. This is the largest EPA Grant in the United States this year. This includes a $4 million Cleanup Grant and a $2 million Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant, which are funding the crucial environmental remediation of 49 vacant lots in the neighborhood. These grants are key to transforming vacant lots into affordable housing and community spaces, advancing the revitalization of Washington Wheatley. This is a direct result of the work I’ve led to create a viable path to addressing our City's surplus of vacant and blighted lots. Platform Issue: Diverse Housing for All, Improved Basic Services Read More: EPA Region 7 Presents $6M to City of KCMO for Brownfields Grants | EPA.gov $6 million awarded to KC to transform abandoned properties into assets | KCTV5 Kansas City awarded $6 million in EPA Grants to revitalize neighborhoods | Fox4KC Kansas City Awarded $6 Million in EPA Brownfields Grants to Boost Neighborhood Revitalization | City of Kansas City, MO

During the FY 24-25 budget cycle, I secured $200,000 to fund two neighborhood planners dedicated to developing community-led neighborhood plans. I heard the frustration from residents who were tired of seeing plans collect dust with no real action, and I took steps to change that. These city-backed plans are an essential addendum to the Heart of the City Area Plan, capturing the aspirations of residents and providing a clear, binding vision for their neighborhoods. For too long, neighborhoods had to spend thousands on plans that weren’t truly recognized by the City. Now, Kansas City is putting that control back where it belongs: in the hands of the people who live there. The first plan, in Washington Wheatley, was created through close collaboration between my office, residents, and planning experts. It outlines exactly what the community wants to see in their neighborhood and ensures future development aligns with that vision. Highlights of the plan include: A community-driven vision for future progress and development Strategic recommendations for key infrastructure improvements and opportunities A clear framework for revitalizing vacant lots and enhancing public spaces A focus on projects that improve pedestrian safety, reduce blight, and respect the neighborhood’s character This plan is already serving as a tool to guide development and policymaking, ensuring projects reflect community priorities and create real results. Work is now underway on the next neighborhood plan in South Round Top, with more to follow across the 3rd District. By listening to residents and empowering neighborhoods to shape their own future, we are taking action to revitalize the heart of our city and support long-term growth and stability. Platform Issue: Diverse Housing For All

The Parade Park redevelopment is the largest housing project on the East Side of Kansas City, set to create over 1,000 affordable housing units for families in the 3rd District. This project will include apartments, townhomes, and flats, providing much-needed housing options for our community. I’m proud to have co-led the City’s funding effort for this project, securing $20,180,000 to support the redevelopment. This is part of a broader vision to revitalize Parade Park, one of the oldest Black-owned housing cooperatives in the nation, and provide affordable housing in an area that’s been underserved for too long. This development is designed to support individuals through all walks of life, providing families with opportunities and contributing to long-term growth on the East Side. Platform Issue: Diverse Housing for All Read More: Kansas City approves more than $20 million to redevelop Parade Park Homes | KCUR Kansas City’s Parade Park Homes set to receive $300 million makeover | Fox4KC Kansas City approves millions in funding for affordable housing redevelopment project | Kansas City Star Parade Park Homes turns to KC to help fill funding gaps in $300M housing project | KC Biz Journal

I’m proud to have led the charge in securing $1,081,308 in funding to support the renovations of Ivanhoe Gardens Apartments. This funding will help preserve affordable housing for low-income Kansas Citians, ensuring that families can continue to call this neighborhood home. The Ivanhoe Gardens project is a vital part of our effort to revitalize communities and preserve affordable housing in the heart of our city. By working with Community Builders of Kansas City, this initiative will improve living conditions for residents and contribute to the long-term economic development of the area. This is just one example of how I’m delivering real results for Kansas City—ensuring that affordable housing remains accessible, and making sure our neighborhoods continue to grow and thrive. Platform Issue: Diverse Housing for All

I introduced and passed a resolution directing the City to work with nonprofit partners on a program that will make homes in historically disinvested neighborhoods more energy-efficient, affordable, and climate-resilient. This initiative will reduce utility bills, improve indoor air quality, and make homes more comfortable and sustainable—all while prioritizing low-income and fixed-income households. It will also support local rehab companies and suppliers, creating jobs while strengthening neighborhoods. The goal: improve at least 50 homes per year with essential upgrades like furnaces, insulation, roof replacements, and leak repairs. Because a healthier, more affordable home shouldn’t be out of reach for any family in Kansas City.

In the FY 24-25 budget, I secured $150,000 for Morning Star Baptist Community Center to support its operations and facility improvements serving unhoused individuals. Morning Star has long been a trusted partner in providing shelter, resources, and care for those who need it most, and this funding strengthens their ability to continue that work. By investing in community-based organizations like Morning Star, we’re addressing homelessness with compassion and practical support—ensuring safe, welcoming spaces and critical services for our most vulnerable neighbors. This is how we build a stronger, more caring Kansas City. Platform Issue: Improved Basic Services