News Summary
Jesse Smith has been elected as the new mayor of North Kansas City, winning by a narrow margin of 36 votes. The city, which has experienced a significant population increase of 24% since 2020, looks forward to Smith’s leadership style focused on communication and resident engagement. His plans include regular town hall meetings, an emphasis on community partnerships, and utilizing grants for urban development, while addressing public safety concerns stemming from recent violent incidents. Smith aims to restore the small-town ambiance of North Kansas City amidst its growth.
North Kansas City has elected Jesse Smith as its new mayor, narrowly winning the position by just 36 votes, marking one of the smallest margins in the city’s electoral history. This election resulted from a growing city, which has seen a 24% population increase from 2020 to 2023, bringing the total to approximately 5,500 residents.
Smith, originally from Georgia, moved to North Kansas City in 2013 to be with his wife, a local resident. Prior to his election as mayor, he served nearly six years on the City Council and successfully defeated incumbent mayor Bryant DeLong. Smith emphasized the importance of communication during his campaign, adopting the tagline “leadership that listens.” His initial focus includes finding a centralized communication solution to better connect with the community.
Among his plans, Smith is set to hold regular meetings and town halls and to engage with residents in informal settings to hear their concerns. This approach follows a recent shooting incident outside North Kansas City High School that sparked community dialogue about gun violence. Smith intends to restore the city’s small-town, family-oriented atmosphere, which he believes has diminished since the pandemic.
The current city program offers a neighborhood block party grant that awards up to $400 for supplies; however, fewer than five grants were distributed last year. Smith plans to promote this grant program more vigorously and foster additional opportunities for community engagement through city-backed events. His strategy promotes local partnerships with businesses, such as organizing special menus in restaurants during city gatherings, aimed at enhancing community interactions.
Additionally, Smith recognized North Kansas City’s flat terrain as an advantage for future developments and the creation of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The city is currently working on connecting bike lane infrastructure to improve transportation options. Smith is aware of the residents’ mixed reactions regarding bike lanes, and he seeks a balanced approach that considers community preference.
To fund new developments and ease potential tax increases, Smith intends to creatively leverage grant funding. He reiterated his commitment to listening to residents and involving them in decisions about urban improvements, infrastructure, and city projects. Smith also clarified that North Kansas City’s officials are not in discussions with the Kansas City Royals regarding a new stadium, emphasizing that any related decisions would involve providing residents with input and transparency.
This strategic approach marks a new era for North Kansas City, as Jesse Smith intends to lead through enhanced communication, increased community engagement, and a focus on preserving the city’s character amid growth. His long-term vision includes a cooperative environment that fosters local partnerships and promotes a shared responsibility among the residents, ensuring that as the city evolves, the community’s voice remains at the forefront.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Olivette Community Development and Local Business Expansions
Kansas City Hosts 21st Celebration at the Station
Kansas City Ranked Eighth as Most Dangerous U.S. City
Thunderstorms Cause Power Outages and Damage in Kansas City
Kansas City Police Search for Missing Man with Dementia
Missouri Board of Education Sees Major Nominations
Kansas City Voters Approve Public Safety Tax Extension
Kansas City Prepares for Municipal Election
Kansas City Faces Shock After Double Homicide at Northland Motel
Downtown Kansas City Development Project Canceled
Additional Resources
- KCTV5: New Leadership in North Kansas City
- Wikipedia: North Kansas City, Missouri
- KSHB: New North Kansas City Mayor’s Plans
- Google Search: North Kansas City community engagement
- Fox4KC: Kansas City Firefighter Stabbed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
