Dozens of Kansas City neighborhoods are pursuing creative ideas to make their blocks safer, more prosperous and better connected after the city awarded nearly $400,000 to turn those ideas into reality.
Neighborhood Empowerment Grants will support 26 community-driven initiatives ranging from tree trimming and beautification efforts to neighborhood outreach programs.
“The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant is an investment empowering neighborhoods with the resources they need,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “When we invest in our neighborhoods, we see real results, including safer streets, stronger connections, and innovative approaches that come directly from the people who know their communities best.”
Neighborhood grant recipients:
- Blue Valley Neighborhood Association
- Crossroads Community Association
- East Crossroads
- East Swope Highlands Neighborhood Association
- Foxtown East Neighborhood Association
- Foxtown West Neighborhood Association
- Gillham Row Master Condominium Association
- Hickman Mills United Neighborhoods Inc.
- Historic West Bottoms
- Indian Mound Neighborhood Association
- Kirkside Homes Association
- Newcastle Homeowners Association
- Oakwood Forest
- Oak Park Neighborhood- Community Resource Team
- Paseo West Neighborhood Association
- Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association
- Rockhill Homes Association
- Ruskin Heights Homes Association Inc.
- Swope Parkway Elmwood Neighborhood Association Timber Trace Homes Association
- Town Fork Creek Neighborhood Association
- Troostwood Neighborhood Association
- Walnut Grove Neighborhood Association
- Whitehall Condominium Owners Association
- 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition
- 29/30 Greenwood Urban District Neighborhood
While some of the grant recipient neighborhoods are well known for their growth and revitalization, many represent areas that have historically received less attention. Neighborhoods like Indian Mound and Paseo West are using the funds to address graffiti, illegal dumping, affordable housing and support for emerging local artists.
Jimmy Fitzner, president of the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association, praised the city for trusting neighborhood leaders to use the funding as they see fit according to neighborhood needs.
Fitzner said his neighborhood plans to use the funding to create a mural at the Bargain Market at 5304 Independence Ave. in partnership with the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.
He hopes the mural will make the neighborhood more attractive for businesses and neighbors.
“Something about murals takes control of blank surfaces that attract graffiti,” Fitzner said about the plans for the mural. “It’s a neat way to say we are pro self-expression and support art, artists and have a sense of pride.”
The Paseo West Neighborhood Association plans to use the funds for community activities such as the harvest festival, to offer stipends for local artists to do face painting at such events, and for an annex art gallery and collaboration projects with neighborhood organizations like Hope Faith.
“It’s efficient and we’re grateful,” said Evie Craig, president of the Paseo West Neighborhood Association. “Housing developers and residents don’t have the funds. Member association dues don’t support the activities.”
The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant program supports neighborhoods by investing in projects that are requested by communities. The application is open to nonprofit neighborhood organizations that are already registered with the city of Kansas City and the state of Missouri, or who are willing to partner with an organization that is already registered.
“This program shows the power of collaboration between our city and the people who know their neighborhoods best,” said City Manager Mario Vasquez. “When we invest directly in residents’ ideas, we’re funding meaningful projects, building trust, encouraging leadership and delivering meaningful results. I want to acknowledge and thank our team and our community partners for making this progress possible.”
