When Ed Bell stepped into the role of president of the Blue Hills Neighborhood Association in 2023, it was not because he was looking for the spotlight. Quite the opposite, actually. “My elders told me to do it,” Bell said. “I just wanted to help in the background.” But when [...]
Gwen Grant, president and CEO at Urban League of Greater Kansas City, has been a friend to and fan of Community Builders of Kansas City for decades. As the long-time leader of the Urban League – both a civil rights and social services organization – Grant appreciates CBKC’s work. “CBKC [...]
Since assuming office as Jackson County Prosecutor on Jan. 3, 2025, Melesa Johnson has taken a bold, multi-pronged approach to curb rising crime – putting a particular focus on Kansas City’s hot spots, including Midtown. As the county’s first Black prosecutor, Johnson carries both historical significance and a fresh vision. [...]
Venessa Huskey keeps telling people – she is not a politician. She is a servant. True, Ms. Huskey is a county legislator, representing the second district in Jackson County and currently serves as chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and the Justice & Law Enforcement Committee. However, she [...]
“I’ve always had an interest in helping in the community,” said Tracey Lewis, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “It just took me a while to figure out how my professional experience could help advance certain, more broad community opportunities.” Lewis, originally from Boston, [...]
Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley, representing Kansas City's 3rd District at Large, has established herself as a passionate advocate for her community. With a background in educational psychology and a commitment to addressing economic disparities, she is working tirelessly to elevate the voices of the most marginalized populations in her district. [...]
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 [...]
It may surprise you to know that 63 percent of greenhouse emissions in the Kansas City region come from buildings. Community Builders of Kansas City is working with Building Energy Exchange Kansas City (BE-Ex KC), a joint effort by Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and Climate Action KC, on a range of initiatives to help [...]
Community Builders of Kansas City was glad to host HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge on our campus this afternoon. Also in attendance were regional administrators from HHS, EPA, HUD and USDA. Mayor Lucas and 3rd District Councilwomen Robinson and Hazley added to the rich discussions. Thank you to Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver [...]
Champions of Community Development Award Presented at Washington, D.C. Event Once a year, African American legislators come together to talk policy issues, pending legislation and celebration of accomplishments in Washington, D.C., at the Congressional Black Congress (CBC). It was at this year’s event in September that Community Builders of Kansas [...]