Six catalysts remaking greater Kansas City neighborhoods

The curated articles focus on several efforts and events that reshape Kansas City’s neighborhoods, services, transit networks, arts, and civic life. Each article highlights a specific catalyst driving change, whether through development, culture, public policy, or elections.

Parade Park prepares for a large redevelopment with the start of a project that will add affordable homes and business space to a historic area. The KC Streetcar extension connects more neighborhoods, linking the River Market to the University of Missouri-Kansas City and signaling further expansion. Along the riverfront, new apartments and commercial spaces take shape, guided by private investment and timed for major events. Efforts to place Safe Haven Baby Boxes progress as city council members select possible fire station sites and work to secure funding. Community arts grow as African drum and dance attract youth and diverse students, continuing local traditions. Local school board contests see incumbents and newcomers seek seats, reflecting shifts in community priorities and involvement.

Chris and Angie Long, the co-owners of the KC Current, and owners of CPKC Stadium, are banking $1 billion on an ambitious, 10-year mixed-use development now under construction at the Berkley Riverfront. Phase 1 is under construction. By Dominick Williams

NO. 1: CHRIS AND ANGIE LONG: HOW KC CURRENT OWNERS ARE FOREVER REMAKING THE RIVERFRONT

It was a mild autumn day along the Missouri River. | Published October 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eric Adler

Selah Thompson (front) teaches how the skirt is used in Afro Cuban dance to mimic natural movements seen in nature at the Traditional Music Society dance class. By Susan Pfannmuller

NO. 2: INSIDE KC’S THRIVING AFRICAN DRUM AND DANCE COMMUNITY, YOUNGER THAN EVER

At the Traditional Music Society’s Saturday class, Kansas City percussionist Bird Fleming stood in front of a congregation of students from various races, ages, and genders. | Published October 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

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Monticello Trails Middle School

NO. 3: MEET THE 6 CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DE SOTO SCHOOL BOARD IN JOHNSON COUNTY

The upcoming elections for three seats on the De Soto School Board will see two incumbents face a challenger alongside an open seat. | Published October 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

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Kayleigh and Wes Wasmer’s family of four became five when they adopted Abbott (in the center). Abbott’s biological mother was homeless and was from the same small town where Kayleigh grew up. After her son was born in June 2023, she reached out to Kayleigh and asked if she and her husband would adopt him. The couple now advocate to get Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the Kansas City area to provide moms options when they can’t care for their newborns.

NO. 4: THEY ADOPTED A BABY WHO MIGHT’VE BEEN ABANDONED. NOW THEY FIGHT FOR OTHERS

When a newborn was dropped off last month at a Safe Haven Baby Box in a St. | Published October 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Laura Bauer

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A rendering of the planned reconstruction of the Parade Parks Homes in the 18th and Vine Jazz District.

NO. 5: FIRE DAMAGES PARADE PARK HOMES APARTMENT BUILDING BEFORE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

A vacant two-story apartment building caught fire Wednesday evening in the Parade Park Homes community, just two days before /the city/ will break ground on the start of a $300 million redevelopment project of the historic Black-owned former housing cooperative near 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City. | Published October 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Robert A. Cronkleton

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A puff of smoke signaled the opening of the Kansas City Streetcar's Main Street extension, which began service for riders at the new Country Club Plaza stop on Friday, October 24, 2025. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 6: KC STREETCAR MAIN STREET EXTENSION OFFICIALLY OPENS. ‘A MONUMENTAL MILESTONE’

Kansas Citians can officially ride a streetcar through Midtown for the first time in almost 70 years. | Published October 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.