EDCKC celebrates leaders who transformed KCMO through equitable development projects
May 16, 2024 | Taylor Wilmore
Reshaping Kansas City doesn’t come without focused, intentional efforts by development advocates and officials, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, offering a toast to one of his city hall predecessors and her work to revitalize the heart of the city.
KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“Many of us are blessed to remember Mayor Kay Barnes thinking about what downtown could be, and what economic development could be in Kansas City,” Lucas said Wednesday in remarks honoring Barnes as a changemaker within KCMO.
“There are very few who you can assign the credit for an amazing transformation, and she’s one of them,” added Lucas.
The former mayor, who was not able to join the event, was lauded by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City during its City of Fountains Celebration Dinner, alongside three key EDCKC leaders whose contributions and achievements helped grow Kansas City.
In an evening of recognition and celebration, Tracy Lewis, President and CEO of EDCKC, awarded three key members of the organization for their achievements at the Fountain of Celebrations dinner.
[Editor’s note: Startland News is a partner of the EDCKC.]
Award winners included:
Bob Long speaks alongside Tracey Lewis during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Bob Long, dedicated member of the EDCKC team for 20 years, was awarded with the Community Champion Award.
Lee Barnes joins Tracey Lewis in conversation during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Lee Barnes, former Councilman, was awarded The President’s Award for his steadfast support of the EDCKC’s mission, offering guidance and mentorship to President Lewis.
Bridgette Williams shares a laugh in conversation with Tracey Lewis during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Bridgette Williams, serving EDCKC for 16 years, as president of administration and as EDCKC’s Board Chair, was awarded The Chairman’s Award.
Tracey Lewis gives remarks during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Williams made a point to specifically acknowledge Tracy Lewis, president and CEO of the EDCKC, who has been in the top leadership role for nearly two years. Lewis is committed to fostering relationships that advance EDCKC’s mission of developing more affordable housing, attracting businesses, and supporting entrepreneurship in Kansas City, she said.
“Tracy is smart, he’s authentic, he’s independent, and he’s nimble,” said Williams, chairperson of the EDCKC. “I think you need all of those qualities in a leader when you’re talking about expanding and developing an urban city.”
ICYMI: EDCKC boasts right team at the right time, CEO says as agency rebuilds its reputation
KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks alongside Tracey Lewis during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Lucas’ remarks at the Carriage Club event expressed his gratitude for the significant strides achieved by the EDCKC as the city redevelops areas such as the West Bottoms, downtown, 63rd and Prospect, and along the riverfront.
“We passed transit oriented development, but we’re looking at how do we make sure we’re actually really building that in every part of the city?” said Lucas, noting how community boosting projects within KCMO must track with the city’s goals and vision for equitable development.
ICYMI: How a newly closed parking garage could signal transformation for a living Downtown KC
KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas appears in conversation with Tracey Lewis during the EDCKC’s City of Fountains Celebration Dinner; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Featured Business
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Chicago-based coworking firm coming to Kansas City
A Chicago-based coworking company announced it’s opening an office in Kansas City. Level Office, which already has 15 locations in the nation, will be located on the 9th floor of 1301 Oak St. The 44,860-square-foot building will offer private offices as well as a communal lounge area. Amenities include on-site administrative support, Google Fiber, beer…
UMKC’s Bloch School announces new Dean
University of Missouri-Kansas City announced last week the appointment of a new Dean for the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Brian Klaas, Ph.D., is currently senior associate Dean for research and academics and director of the Riegel & Emory Human Resource Center at the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina. UMKC…
Nile Valley Aquaponics grand opening brings sustainability, hope to community
A sustainable greenhouse with the aim to empower one of Kansas City’s most underserved communities launched on Friday after two years of raising funds and preparation. With partners such as the City of Kansas City, Mo., Kansas City Power and Light, Barkley and HOK, Nile Valley Aquaponics celebrated with an open house at the site…
Royal Street Ventures, Kauffman Foundation announce KC University Venture Program
The early-stage capital scene in Kansas City is getting a youthful shot in the arm. Designed to give Kansas City-area university students interested in entrepreneurship and private finance deep and real-world experience, the newly announced Kansas City University Venture Program aims to create a pipeline of experienced, young early-stage investors. Led by Royal Street Ventures…