In Kansas City’s 3rd District, where Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) owns multiple properties, progressive leadership and community advocacy shines through the work of Councilwoman Melissa Robinson. Her work is a testament to the power of grassroots activism, a commitment to equity and the transformative impact of dedicated public service.
“Since her election to the city council, Robinson has been a staunch advocate for policies that promote economic development, public safety and social justice,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., president and CEO of CBKC. “She has been a vocal proponent for our KC Sun Fresh on Linwood, attending meetings with the community and law enforcement to seek solutions for ensuring the store’s future. We view her as an important partner and supporter in our mission to transform communities.”
A second-term councilwoman, Robinson is president of the Black Health Care Coalition and formerly served as president of the Kansas City Public Schools board and director of crisis intervention with the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime. Robinson believes one of the most critical issues Kansas City faces is poverty, which she says leads to crime, violence and despair.
“My vision for the 3rd District is to be a place of hope and prosperity,” said Robinson. “In America, it is impossible to achieve prosperity without an economic base.”
Robinson’s office has led the charge to pass dozens of pieces of legislation that promote equity in city decision making, increase protections for school district funding and create more community oversight to monitor and recommend economic advancement opportunities. She said far too many 3rd District residents are socio-economically challenged and living in conditions comparable to underdeveloped countries, citing illegal dumping as a prime example.
Introduced last year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Robinson’s seven-point plan called “Opportunity KC” strives to address economic stability in neighborhoods with the highest levels of poverty.
Robinson’s Opportunity KC agenda includes economic development initiatives such as partnering with the city’s Land Bank to provide an economic base for residents and neighborhoods and maximizing Community Benefits Agreements with financial institutions to increase access to capital for small business and home ownership. Additionally, the agenda includes collaborating with local developers to attract jobs, services and attainable housing.
Education is another key issue for Robinson, whose agenda seeks to ensure public-school systems from K-12 to community and four-year colleges are adequately funded to educate underserved students. Additionally, she plans to collaborate with local trade organizations and workforce development agencies to ensure all high schoolers not entering college have access to living wage employment immediately following high school graduation.
Finally, building and executing a robust blight and trash remediation program with neighborhood oversight, connecting households to broadband and supporting families who are utility burdened are community initiatives Robinson supports in her plan.
“I will continue to strengthen my residents, neighborhoods, businesses and stakeholders within my district,” said Robinson.
“As Kansas City continues to grow and evolve, Robinson continues her collaborative work to pass policies that create tangible opportunities for the areas CBKC serves,” Pierson. “Her vision for the future is aligned with CBKC’s – to bridge economic disparities, transform communities and ensure that every resident of the 3rd District has the opportunity to thrive.”