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
The Sprint Accelerator returns in 2017 with new approach
In less that 24 hours, Kansas City has learned that it will have a new pair of major accelerator programs in 2017. The Sprint Accelerator announced Thursday morning that, while it’s retained its name, the program has undergone a significant evolution that hopes to foster meaningful partnerships between startups and Kansas City corporations. Among a…
Techstars to launch new accelerator program in Kansas City
Accelerator guru group Techstars announced Wednesday that it’s launching a new program in Kansas City after leading the Sprint Accelerator for three years with Sprint. Lesa Mitchell, a former vice president of innovation and networks for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, will serve as the managing director of the Kansas City accelerator. “We’re excited to…
Kauffman Fellows hosting hundreds of global VCs in Kansas City homecoming
More than 200 investors and entrepreneurs from around the globe will soon converge in Kansas City as part of one of the most highly-esteemed venture capital organizations in the world. Now in its 21st year, the Kauffman Fellows program will reunite top-tier investors that hail from five continents for a reunion summit on Oct. 24…
KCRise Fund makes first area investments in SpiderOak, Innara Health
Only a few weeks after closing on its first $10 million, the KCRise Fund announced Wednesday that it has invested in its first Kansas City-area companies. Launched in February in conjunction with the KC Rising economic initiative, the KCRise Fund is joining ongoing investment rounds in SpiderOak and Innara Health. The fund, led by Darcy…