Community Interest in Engagement Surpasses Expectations

Mayor Garner thanks the many residents who have volunteered their time to make a difference 

Kansas City, KS – The community response to the launch of the Mayor Garner’s special committees has been fantastic with more than 250 community members, advocates, and Unified Government employees expressing their interest to participate. Launched on January 25, 2022, Mayor Garner’s vision is for these committees to work together with the Commission chairs to co-create solutions to address some of the most pressing issues facing our community. In the coming weeks, the committee chairs will lead listening sessions with committee volunteers to learn more about interests and perspective while establishing a timeframe and goals for the committees. The committees will address a broad range of topics, including equitable development, the needs of our unhoused residents, safety and justice, arts and culture, government efficiency, business, community health and recreation.  

“I am committed to being community-driven,” said Mayor Garner. "I look forward to collaborating with our community to make Wyandotte County a great place to live, work, and raise a family. These committees are just the beginning of our effort to create new ways for neighbors to be engaged in problem-solving through collaboration with the Unified Government.” 

In pursuit of his goals to engage more community members in shaping the future of Wyandotte County, the Mayor will be launching two additional task forces and a Council of Clergy this month.   

Mayor’s Environment & Green Energy Task Force   

Pollution and climate change disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable communities, including people living with disabilities, economically disadvantaged households, the elderly, youth, and people of color. This task force will look to assess environmental justice across our county and, through meaningful involvement, shape policy recommendations for a more sustainable Wyandotte. The task force will focus on the identification and development of innovative policies and strategies to address green design, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management. For example, the task force will explore distributed energy and utility-scale green energy generation to mitigate impacts of supply disruptions, reduce energy costs, and eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the task force will develop recommendations on tax policies and financing options, including federal grants and funding resources, to promote a green economy to ensure our resiliency as a community for generations to come. 

Mayor’s Quindaro Ruins Task Force  

Over the years, there have been many community-led efforts to reimagine and support the Quindaro Ruins as a national destination of considerable historic significance. Mayor Garner will convene this task force to engage interested community groups and members in advancing the preservation of this historic national site. With the goal of developing a unified strategic plan that moves the site from a state of ruin to economic revitalization, the convening taskforce should be comprised of representatives from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Unified Government, private ownerships, key stakeholders from existing committees and organizations, historians, tourism, and park service professionals. A community town hall will be scheduled in the near future to convene interested parties in a discussion of what is possible.   

Mayor’s Council of Clergy 

The Council of Clergy will advise the Mayor and his staff on critical issues pertaining to community development, engagement, and citizen involvement. Likewise, the Council of Clergy will serve as a conduit to share information with their respective congregations and faith communities regarding opportunities and critical needs. Participating faith leaders will facilitate a dialog within each congregation for civic engagement, support the Unified Government upon request, and assist in recruiting volunteers and participate in local events that support children and families. The Council of Clergy will officially launch on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at the conclusion of the Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Event.  Interested clergy members are encouraged to sign up with the form below. 

Get Involved  

If you are interested in volunteering for either task force or the Council of Clergy, please complete this short form and we will be in touch with next steps.