Participating Neighborhoods
Neighborhood selection was a very complex, carefully thought out process based upon statistical information, neighborhood coding, national research on healthy neighborhoods and analysis. Ultimately, 10 neighborhoods that showed promise for successful revitalization were selected to participate in NeighborhoodsNOW. Within these neighborhoods, smaller block areas were identified as the focus for concentrated redevelopment.

Each neighborhood completed an intensive Quality of Life Planning process in 2007 to identify their specific priorities and projects. Six of these target neighborhoods developed Quality of Life Plans that meet the high standards of funding required by NeighborhoodsNOW.  We identify these six as "Sustainable Communities Neighborhoods."

In Kansas City, Kansas  Click here for a map.

Downtown Kansas City, KS

Douglass-Sumner

St. Peter/Waterway

In Kansas City, Missouri   Click here for a map.

Blue Hills - Wabash Village expansion area

Ivanhoe Northwest

Scarritt Renaissance

How the Target Neighborhoods were Determined

A Neighborhood Selection Task Force was assembled for both Kansas and Missouri and each was made up of representatives from Greater Kansas City LISC, numerous departments from the respective city governments, the Community Development Association and private funders. This Task Force identified and selected the neighborhoods based upon a set of criteria.

The process and criteria used are detailed. In general, we began by looking at neighborhoods that: were eligible for federal Community Development Block Grants through HUD; where strong redevelopment partners work; and where strong grassroots neighborhood leadership exists.

Once these neighborhoods were identified, one or more of the following factors were also considered: proximity to a strong urban center, single-family ownership, housing conditions, owner occupancy, crime, voter participation, vacant residential lots, diversity of income and employment.