In the Spotlight

Greater Kansas City LISC Secures Federal Funds to Benefit KCK Neighborhoods

$1.5 million will Accelerate Development and Enhance Safety Program

KANSAS CITY, MO (February 4, 2008) — Several Kansas City, Kansas urban neighborhoods will receive a boost in support thanks to two federal appropriations.  As a part of the 2008 Omnibus bill, funds totaling $1,529,000 will be directed to Greater Kansas City LISC’s NeighborhoodsNOW program in Kansas City, Kan., enhancing the mission to create positive change and transform communities.

Senator Sam Brownback sponsored a $1.2 million appropriation through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Representative Dennis Moore sponsored a Department of Justice appropriation of $329,000 for the Neighborhood Safety Program. The funds will be housed at the Wyandotte Community Foundation and are earmarked for the Neighborhoods-NOW programs and projects, the primary community development initiative of Greater Kansas City LISC.   

 “These funds will have an important impact on safety and will help expedite development in targeted neighborhoods participating in the NeighborhoodsNOW program,” said Julie Porter, Greater Kansas City LISC Executive Director. “We would like to thank Senator Brownback and Representative Moore for their generous support and commitment to improving urban core communities.”

The HUD funds will be used primarily in the Douglass-Sumner neighborhood to spur its redevelopment plans.  Today the neighborhood is plagued with 64 percent vacant land. Yet a recently completed design charrette resulted in a 20-year master plan to return the neighborhood to sustainability. 

"I was pleased to ensure that $1.2 million was included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill for the Douglass-Sumner Neighborhood Redevelopment project.  Wyandotte County is quickly becoming an economic and cultural leader in the state of Kansas, and I believe that all of the county’s residents should benefit from this renaissance,” said Senator Brownback.

The Department of Justice funding will support efforts of the Neighborhood Safety Program in three areas, Douglass-Sumner, Downtown Kansas City, Kan., and St. Peter/Waterway. Specific activities will include community organizing and crime and safety initiatives, such as community policing, neighborhood watch activities and materials.

“One of my most important duties is working with local organizations to accomplish goals that are important to our neighborhoods and communities,” said Congressman Moore.

LISC is the largest community development organization in the country, serving inner cities and distressed rural areas in 36 states. Greater Kansas City LISC supports redevelopment in more than 100 square miles of Kansas City metro area neighborhoods.  By providing capital, technical expertise, training and information, Greater Kansas City LISC helps transform targeted neighborhoods into healthy, sustainable communities in partnership with their residents. Since 1990, Greater Kansas City LISC has invested more than $89 million into urban core neighborhoods on both sides of the state line resulting in 5,593 new and rehabbed homes and apartments; the development of 1.4 million square feet of retail and commercial space; and over  317,000 square feet of community facilities and sports fields.