EDCKC celebrates leaders who transformed KCMO through equitable development projects

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.”

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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.

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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