LISC Greater Kansas City Annual Recap: A Look Back at 2023

LISC Greater Kansas City has had another eventful and successful year. We can’t end the year without highlighting our most valuable partners and community initiators. We recognize these neighborhood leaders in 2023:

In January, we kicked things off with a  Financial Stability Series that continued into April, highlighting credit card management, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) income tax preparation, tips for tax season and other steps toward financial literacy and inclusion.

LISC KC collaborated with Troy Wulfemeyer, financial coach at Kansas City’s Metro Lutheran Ministries; Lindsay Tarasovic, program coordinator with University of Missouri’s VITA program; Jeff Sheets, vice-president of Financial Coaching at the Community Services League; and Kelli Hearn, LISC Greater Kansas City program officer to provide adequate guidance toward financial stability.

Additionally, we were also excited to spotlight the city’s new airport. Local entrepreneurs – including some who have benefited from partnerships with or grants from LISC Kansas City – are part of the landscape in the new terminal.

In February, we celebrated Super Bowl LVII, a game to remember, where a 35-35 tie was broken by the Kansas City Chiefs’ game winning field goal.

In April, we spoke with our very own Amanda Wilson, senior program officer, to talk about our affordable housing pillar.

“We are an intermediary, so we oftentimes don’t do the work on the ground, but support and provide technical assistance and funding and financing to those organizations who are doing the work on the ground, while also supporting their work and our work through policy,” Wilson said.

Back in May, we highlighted millennials and the way they view housing compared to previous generations. Millennials have experienced numerous economic crises in the U.S. and would rather spend their money on experiences than real estate. However, the millennial net worth has doubled since 2020.

Sharing this information is part of LISC Greater Kansas City’s core mission to provide resources and access to affordable housing while safeguarding present neighborhoods facing gentrification.

Also during May, Holly Long, developement officer, wrote a blog about the tragic shooting of Ralph Yarl and acknowledged the efforts by the Kansas City community to ensure incidents related to systemic racism and gun violence are eradicated.

“As the headlines fade and the next tragic news story grabs our attention, I pray that we won’t forget about Ralph Yarl: a young man shot for making the simple mistake of knocking on the wrong door,” Long said.

“I hope his story will spur us to continue to ask ourselves about how that could’ve happened, and how we can create a community where that doesn’t happen in the future.”

In partnership with LISC KC, Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) developed a Data Hub, a digital program that collects and analyzes information and provides stats about housing in Kansas City.

“We are touching on several areas of the housing system. The goal is to create more housing at more price points of more types across the entire region,” said Katie Killen, MARC housing program manager.

During the month of August, we highlighted Vine Street Brewing Co., the first Black-owned brewing company in Missouri. Vine Street Brewing Co. offers live music and craft beers while also giving back to the community.

“We are an extension of the past and hope to modernize a reflection of what is possible,” said Kemet Coleman, co-founder and director of marketing and experiences.

Also in August, we met Melissa Douglas, McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison with the KCPS Students in Transition, a program dedicated to providing transportation and school enrollment to students facing housing displacement. This program also assists students with postsecondary education and offers counseling.

“All students have the right to free and accessible education. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison exists to help students get into their schools,” Douglas said.

Lastly in August, we spoke with Manuel Abarca IV, a legislator for Jackson County, Missouri. Abarca advocated for the people of Kansas City region after dramatic property tax increases happened earlier this year.

“This is a high priority for the legislature. We do not have the power to hire an assessor or remove the present one, but it is important that we prioritize people over profits and designate fund balances.” Abarca said.

We kept the momentum going in October with a blog about LISC partnering with Community Capital Fund, Livable Neighborhoods, Center for Neighborhoods, Youth Ambassadors, and Bridging the Gap to organize the 11th Annual Community Development Workshop (CDW).

November was an eventful month for LISC KC. First, MERC Co+op, an independent grocery store owned and operated by community members, was spotlighted.

MERC Co+op provides healthy food options to low-income families at an affordable price. It also offers livable wages to its employees.

“Part of our DNA is community partnerships,” Rita York Hennecke, general manager, said. “The more we have community engagement, the stronger the community is and the more resilient we are as the grocery co-op.” Said York Hennecke.

Also in November, we had our annual Thrive event, an occasion that celebrates all of the leaders and organizations making significant contributions to Kansas City area.

The award recipients included: Nailah M’Biti, Simone Curls, Generating Income for Tomorrow, Jerusalem Farm and Pamela Smart. These community game changers have done a tremendous job advancing Kansas City neighborhoods.

Additionally, in November, we did blogs on how The Prospect KC is positively impacting lives in the community and how Trust Neighborhoods is leading the way in the creation of mixed-income neighborhood trusts, otherwise known as MINTs.

As we look back over the past year, LISC Greater Kansas City has achieved many milestones for the community. We also recognize and appreciate the initiatives done by the community organizations and leaders that are helping shape the lives of the area’s residents. LISC KC looks forward to achieving more breakthroughs in 2024.