Happy Thursday, Wyandotte County!

You may be seeing a lot of social media activity and fanfare around the FIFA 2026 World Cup across our region today. There is a FIFA delegation touring various venues across our region as part of a bid to bring this event to our metropolitan area in a few years. We've posted banners and turned our civic buildings blue at night in celebration of the visit.

There are 17 cities currently competing to be one of the 10-11 cities to host events. If selected, FIFA would host several games here and participating soccer teams from around the world can select Kansas City as their host city, living here for six weeks during the tournament. If you'd like to show your support, fill out this petition!
Wyandotte County Reaches Vaccination Milestone
Officials at the Unified Government Public Health Department made a big announcement last week – more than 50 % of people living in Wyandotte County have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination, according to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

Vax Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 30
On Saturday, October 30, faith leaders from across Wyandotte County will come together to host a “Vax Fall Fest” at the Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, located at 9301 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS. The event runs from 12PM to 3PM. Plus, everyone vaccinated at the event will be entered into a raffle to win one of ten $100 gift cards. Those who get their first free COVID vaccine at the event can choose to receive either a licensed NFL KC Chiefs hoodie or a $50 gift card.
NE KCK Heritage Trail Project: Survey
Groundwork NRG and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS are working to create a NE KCK Heritage Trail that integrates increased mobility options, environmental improvements, economic development, and the memorialization of NE KCK's rich cultural history through a participatory community process. The NE KCK Heritage Trail will run from Kaw Point to Quindaro Townsite, connecting historic and other significant locations through new and existing paths and green spaces. The exact route of the Trail is yet to be decided, and we’re determined to put the decision-making power in the hands of NE KCK residents.

NE KCK Heritage Trail Project
Don't Miss It: Improve Water Quality: Cost-Share Program for Residents
Kansas City, Kansas residents and business owners can now benefit from programs to improve water quality from stormwater runoff. A free soil test is available, and a Cost-Share program will reimburse participants for a portion of installed stormwater projects on Kansas City, Kansas properties.
Know When to Go: Bus Service Delays
RideKC is operating reduced schedules. If there are significant delays due to staffing issues, notices about delays will be sent through RideKC Notify. You can sign-up for text, email or phone notifications for the routes you use through their website.

Sign up for bus route notifications through RideKC Notify
Eastbound Lewis & Clark Viaduct Closed
A bridge repair project on the eastbound I-70 Lewis and Clark Viaduct in Wyandotte County and Jackson County, Missouri, began last weekend. Beginning October 23, all eastbound I-70 entrance ramps in Downtown KCK will be closed, including Minnesota Avenue/Fourth Street, Washington Boulevard and Fairfax Trafficway. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Westbound I-70 will remain open, including ramps at Minnesota Avenue/Fourth Street, Washington Boulevard and Fairfax Trafficway. The Central Avenue bridge is closed indefinitely and does not provide access across the Kansas River.

2021 Dining With Diabetes Challenge Starts November 1
K-State Research and Extension agents invite you to enroll in an email challenge. This four-week program will encourage individuals to improve their diabetes self-care behaviors. Individuals will learn multiple topics such as what is diabetes, how to build a support system, and health eating.

Dining with Diabetes Challenge 2021
A recent survey explores public opinion about the future of Sauer Castle.

Vote daily for Zoom, a talented KCKFD K9, to win a $5K grant for his care and training.

Pick of the Litter
A King for Your Castle
King is a 2 year old American Bulldog. He's got a great smile, and he's just as fun and happy as he looks! King is very friendly and a giant goofball. He's playful and he loves toys! He loves running and going for walks with his people friends, and loves his lavender blankets. King is a big guy at 70 lbs. But for as big and playful as he is, he's also pretty gentle and has some manners! King wasn't very comfortable with other dogs initially; he probably had not been socialized with them. But now he has made friends with some dogs here at the shelter and does really well with them out in the yard. If you have a dog we'd just ask you to bring your dog to meet King to see if they could be buddies.

Upcoming Events
WyCo Dumpster Days
October 22-23, 2021

The Unified Government’s Public Works Department is excited to announce the community's first Dumpster Days, an event to help residents recycle electronics waste and dispose of unwanted bulky items like old mattresses and furniture for free. The event will be held in the parking lot of the former Kmart location at 7836 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66112, on October 22 & 23 from 8 AM to 1 PM.
NE KCK Heritage Trail Fall Fest
October 23, 2021

Come celebrate fall with us on October 23rd between 12PM-2:30PM at Parkwood Park! We’ll be giving away free pumpkins, hosting a carving contest, and raffling off prizes as part of the Heritage Trail planning process. You can learn about the project, share your memories and ideas, carve a pumpkin, trick-or-treat, and jump in on a great raffle!
Tax Sale 349
October 28, 2021

The next tax sale of delinquent properties is coming up soon. Bidders must pre-register by October 26, 2021 at 5PM. More information about the upcoming sale, including the most recently updated list of properties, can be found here.

If you have a property in the tax sale, it is not too late to have it taken out. Find out more here.
On the Agenda: Tonight's Meetings
On Monday, October 25, the Department of Public Works will be sharing its quarterly report with the Public Works & Safety Standing Committee. This will provide some great perspective and detail on work underway and what's coming next in terms of our infrastructure. The Administration & Human Services Standing Committee will meet immediately thereafter and hear an update from the District Court; discuss a $3.19M grant for housing, services, and shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations; consider a request for the Mount Carmel Redevelopment Corporation; and a variety of other issues.


Next Thursday, October 28, there is a special session at 5PM to continue the process of prioritizing our pandemic recovery as a community. The Commission will be discussing key goals and strategies for the American Rescue Plan Act funds and other potential funding opportunities that may be coming to our community.

Then, during the 7PM meeting, the Commissioners will consider such items, including:

  • Waiving permit fees for infill development east of 78th Street to promote new housing; and
  • Adoption of the Armourdale Area Master Plan.

We'll post a link to next Thursday's full agenda shortly.
Public Works and Safety Standing Committee
Monday, October 25, 2021, 5PM

Administration and Human Services Committee
Monday, October 25, 2021, immediately following the previous meeting

Special Session: ARPA Workshop
Thursday, October 28, 2021, 5PM

Planning & Zoning and Full Commission Meeting
Thursday, October 28, 2021, 7PM
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the meetings of the Unified Government Board of Commission will be conducted remotely using Zoom and broadcast via UGTV and YouTube. Members of the public may attend meetings virtually or watch the virtual meeting in the lobby of city hall (701 N 7th Street, KCK, 66101). The virtual meeting information is also available on the agenda itself.
Join the Unified Government
We are currently recruiting for several key positions at the Unified Government, including Environmental Compliance Supervisor (Air Quality), Program Aide (Animal Services), and Assistant District Attorney. We also offer many other job and career opportunities for a diverse skillset. If you have a passion for our community, we have a position for you!

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