UG Unanimously Adopts a Community Benefits Ordinance
Published on December 19, 2023
Kansas City, KS – Earlier this month, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance to create a Community Benefits Fund to extend the benefits of new development to the broader community.
Following community input regarding concerns about the use of development incentives without a clear public benefit, this ordinance was the culmination of a community-led effort of the Mayor’s Business and Economic Development Taskforce, chaired by recently retired 4th District Commissioner Harold Johnson, to find a solution.
"The Community Benefits Ordinance ("CBO") makes good on the promise made decades ago that development on the West side of Kansas City, Kansas would be leveraged in order to improve all areas of KCK, specifically East of I-635,” expressed Retired 4th District Commissioner Harold Johnson. “It is the first piece of legislation that comes from the Business & Economic Development Taskforce that I chair, one of seven Task Forces created by Mayor Tyrone A. Garner.
“The CBO is a first step to systemically and tangibly provide funding for projects that otherwise might never see the light of day in three initial areas; Senior Minor Home Repair, Affordable Housing projects and Licensed Childcare projects. It was a pleasure partnering with Commissioner Davis in creating the legislation. Again, thank you to our colleagues on the Commission along with Irene Caudillo, John "J.D." Rios and Greg Kindle for working with us to bring this important ordinance into fruition!"
The Wyandotte Economic Development Council (WYEDC) was also supportive of this effort. “We are pleased to have had a role in developing this community benefits ordinance that provides a funding mechanism from new developments targeting community investments that might not otherwise receive funding,” said WYEDC President Greg Kindle. “We see this ordinance as a place to start and know that it will evolve over time to help meet the needs of the community.”
The fund will receive a portion of development administrative and issuance fees from projects receiving economic development incentives starting in 2024. The fee will vary depending on the amount of incentives being requested for each project. The Community Benefits Fund will be used to support initiatives such as a senior home repair program; local affordable housing trust fund; and licensed childcare projects and programs. An advisory committee representing each Commission District will oversee the distribution of these funds.
“If our babies, those struggling with housing, and seniors are taken care of, Wyandotte County will be okay. This is what the Community Benefits Ordinance seeks to do,” said 8th District Commissioner Andrew Davis. “As economic development continues to take off in Wyandotte County, so will investments in these important targeted areas.”
Additional information will be released as fund details and advisory board members are made available.
About the Mayor’s Task Forces
Mayor Tyrone Garner launched several task forces at the beginning of his administration in January 2021 to address some of the most pressing issues facing the Wyandotte County community, including the unhoused, arts and culture, economic development, environmental sustainability and more.
“The Mayor’s task forces were created to bring the community, staff, and commission together for the greater good of Wyandotte County. The Community Benefits Fund is a great example of how this can be successful for our residents,” said Mayor/ CEO Tyrone A. Garner. “Much Thanks to Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Davis for their stewardship in the development of policy.”
Community members are encouraged to reach out to the Office of the Mayor if interested in volunteering for any of the task forces. More information can be found at wycokck.org/Mayor
Community Benefits Ordinance Discussion Video: 12/7/2023 Full Commission Meeting