Back to web version
Mayor’s task force to try to boost economic development in urban core
By LYNN HORSLEYThe Kansas City Star
Progressive cities have figured out how to stimulate private and philanthropic investment to help their most distressed neighborhoods, and Kansas City can, too.
That was the message of Monday’s forum sponsored by Mayor Mark Funkhouser to discuss “new tools” for economic development. It was a follow-up to a May 5 gathering that looked at how Kansas City can bring more businesses, jobs and development to the neglected urban core.
Funkhouser said he would soon appoint a task force, headed by longtime community leader Ajamu Webster, to create a plan to bring new ideas to fruition.
Among proposals:
•Create a private investment funding source, with the help of financiers and foundations, to assist small businesses with loans or in other ways.
•Provide college or vocational opportunities for needy high school students.
•Create work force training centers in distressed areas.
•Improve transportation and child care offerings to assist people in getting to work.
•Provide specific incentives to employers who hire people living in distressed communities.
For too long, Funkhouser said, Kansas City has thought of economic development as building real estate and it has invested too much money in high-risk developments without much effect. He said the city needs innovative tools and a practical strategy.
“In some respects, it’s tougher to do it now, with the economy the way it is,” he acknowledged. But by the same token, he said, it’s never been more needed and he hopes to see tangible results within his first term.
Banker and philanthropist Tony Oppenheimer said he was in Los Angeles when the south-central area was trying to recover after the Rodney King riots. He cautioned that just pouring money into an area from outside will not work and said that successful initiatives need the involvement of community residents, business owners, ministers and others. He said banks also must be convinced they are not going to lose money.
Several participants said the Kansas City School District and crime are huge obstacles to the city’s efforts. Webster said another task force is working to improve the school district, and perceptions of crime are overblown.