Hello!

It's officially BLUE October across the Kansas City metro. In support of the KC Royals, staff are invited to show their team spirit by wearing blue or Royals gear on game days. Your next opportunity is TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 9 as the Royals play their first home playoff game in nine years. As always, send your team photos to communications@wycokck.org

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) is pleased to announce the hiring of Chelsee Chism as Economic Development Director.

Chism will be charged with rebuilding the department in support of new development, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship, and the land bank program.

“This is a really exciting time to join the Unified Government,” said Chelsee Chism. “There are tremendous projects in the works and opportunities on the horizon to accomplish incredibly meaningful results for the community. I am honored and thrilled to participate in the continued success across Wyandotte County.”

Prior to joining the Unified Government, Chism served as Assistant City Manager for the Cities of Overland Park, Kansas, and Shawnee, Kansas. She has worked on an extensive number of economic development projects and oversaw several municipal operations.  Ms. Chism holds a bachelor's degree in English and Political Science from Kansas State University and a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University with certificates in Economic Development and City and County Management.  

“With Chelsee’s hire, we have filled a long-standing vacancy that is key to addressing the Commission’s priority to foster equitable economic development across the county. Chelsee is no stranger to the metro area and her experience with economic development will enable her to hit the ground running,” said County Administrator David Johnston.

With just a month since she started, Ms. Chism is actively working to catch up on the many development projects underway, including the redevelopment proposal for Fourth and Minnesota, catalytic projects along the Kansas River and out west, the land bank policy review, revamping small business grants and services, as well as working to implement the new community benefits agreement program adopted by the UG Commission in late 2023.

“Over the coming months, we’ll work together to establish a defined approach to promoting equitable economic development and supporting small businesses for the strategic growth we need as a county,” said Johnston. 

The Unified Government is launching a general education and awareness campaign called "Enjoy, Don't Destroy." Originating with our Parks team, the focus is on taking care of our public amenities - from our playgrounds and public restrooms to bus shelters and other public infrastructure - and we're excited to foster more pride in place. 

The Strategic Communications team is looking for a diverse group of community members and UG staff to be represented in an upcoming public service announcement video. Next Saturday, October 19 at 10AM, the team will be filming at St. Margaret's Park. We are looking for children, adults and seniors to attend the open casting call and help us spread this message. If you or your family are interested in participating, please register and complete the waiver today.

Volunteer for Sound the Alarm on Saturday

The KCKFD has partnered with the American Red Cross and the Bethel Neighborhood Center to host its third Sound the Alarm neighborhood initiative on Saturday, October 12. Volunteers are needed to help install smoke alarms in houses around St. Margaret's Park for either a morning or afternoon shift. You'll receive all the training you need AND a free lunch. Register to help today!

KCKPD Invites You to Join Conversational Spanish Class, Starting October 15

This interactive class is ideal for UG employees who have regular contact with the public, particularly first responders. You'll learn the basics of the Spanish language and key phrases that will allow you to communicate more effectively with our Spanish-speaking residents. The next six-week session begins on Tuesday, October 15!

The one-hour class is held at 10AM and repeated at 4PM in the 6th Floor HR Training Room at the Municipal Building (701 N. 7th Street, KCK 66101). Choose the time that best fits your schedule! To register, email onavarro@kckpd.org

Show Your Support: Faith & Blue on Friday, October 11

Register and show up along State Avenue this Friday at 6PM to show your support for law enforcement. Learn more here.

Mayor's Office Wants to Know: What Would You Exhibit?

The Office of the Mayor, in partnership with the Downtown Shareholders, is already working on the annual Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on Friday, November 15 from 4-7PM at Memorial Hall. In addition to fun for the entire family, this year, UG-employees who sell their own homemade items are invited to exhibit during the event.

If you're interested, or would like to know more, please reach out to Irene Caudillo, Chief of Staff, at icaudillo@wycokck.org. 

Save the Date: State of the Government on December 10

As part of another annual tradition, Mayor Tyrone Garner is working on his annual State of the Government address, hosted in partnership with the KCK Rotary on Tuesday, December 10 from 11:30AM-1PM at Memorial Hall. Early bird tickets are now on sale - which include a lunch - or you can sit in the "red seats" for free to hear the speech.