Mayor Tyrone Garner announced the formation of seven committees, to be led by Unified Government Commissioners and include diverse group of leaders representing various industries and interests. These committees have been formed to support the key community-driven priorities embraced by Mayor Garner and his administration. This administration is taking an unprecedented approach to addressing the most pressing issues with recommendations intended to bring about solutions-driven policy change.

“In light of the number of persistent challenges facing our Community, I want to reassure our residents that we are unwavering in our commitment to make Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Garner. “We have heard the public’s desire for real change. In response, I am focused on fulfilling the commitments that I’ve made to everyone who calls Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS home. As I have communicated consistently, collaboration is essential to bring about the change that we all would like to see in our community.”

“Therefore, I am proud to say that I have joined with your elected commissioners, as well as several community residents, who have agreed to come together to assist the Mayor’s office in finding real solutions to the most dire issues affecting our County. The time for talk is over and the time for action is now to bring about the real change our community deserves. These committees are charged with crafting recommendations and solutions identified as key priorities of this administration. I am proud to announce the seven committees that have been developed to further improve your government, your neighborhoods and most importantly, people’s lives. Several UG Commissioners have agreed to chair these committees. These leaders bring a wealth of knowledge that we are optimistic will result in positive change by crafting real and actionable recommendations that can be brought forward to the full Commission for policy and ordinance enhancements.”

We are excited to announce that we are now recruiting lifeguards for Parkwood Pool Summer 2022! We've increased hourly pay, developed bonuses as incentives for working through the summer with us, and are excited to offer certification opportunities for qualified swimmers. Be a part of Parkwood Pool this summer and apply now for the #bestsummerjob.

The Area Agency on Aging reminds us that the Federal Trade Commission estimates around 9 million identities are stolen every year. To better understand and protect yourself from identity fraud, we have created a presentation to explain how identity theft impacts your credit score and how to protect yourself against identity theft. We also provide information on identity theft protection programs you can use.

On Monday, January 24, the Administration & Human Services Standing Committee heard and approved a proposed budget allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support our ongoing pandemic response and community health. This video provides some really great detail on the requested budget items which will support work underway by the Public Health Department and its vast network of community partners. The full Commission will consider this allocation request during tonight's meeting at 7PM. Read more about the American Rescue Plan.

Starting this week, Wyandotte County residents may receive a survey from the Unified Government in their mailbox. Every other year since 2014, the Unified Government has issued a community-wide survey to better understand community priorities, collect feedback on services, and identify opportunities for improvement across our organization. The data collected through this community survey is shared with our elected officials, county administration, and department leaders to help inform policy-making and key budget decisions for the Unified Government. Keep reading about our Community Survey.

The Unified Government Department of Community Development has launched its five-year planning process to improve housing options and encourage community development countywide. Additionally, they are evaluating access to fair housing, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, religion, ability, or whether there are children in the household. We are eager to hear from you about housing and community assets, needs and opportunities in the city and county.

The Parks & Recreation Department has another survey out right now which will help inform the strategic planning process currently underway. This survey is more general and asks about your priorities for parks, recreation programs and amenities. Please take a couple of minutes to provide your input!

The Wyandotte County Parks Foundation, with funding assistance from the Unified Government Hollywood Casino Grant Program, recently selected KC landscape architecture firm Vireo to develop a master plan for restoration of the Wyandotte County Lake Park Bridle Trail. The input we gather will be used to help develop improvement scenarios and key recommendations that will guide future planning and restoration efforts over the next decade and beyond. The resulting plan will provide a vision and road map for the Parks Foundation and the Unified Government Parks & Recreation Department to protect and manage this natural resource for the benefit of the environment and people.

KCK and Wyandotte County residents are encouraged to look into and apply for programs designed to provide tax relief to seniors.