Final Community Summit for “Reconnecting the Westside” Project

For immediate release: Monday, December 8, 2025

Kansas City invites residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to attend the third and final Community Summit for the Reconnecting the Westside project, taking place at the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center, 1701 Jarboe Street, on Saturday, December 13 from 10am - noon.

This culminating session marks a key milestone in a year-long engagement process, during which the City and project team have worked closely with Westside neighbors to understand their priorities, concerns, and aspirations for the community's future. This effort is part of a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study that prioritizes participatory planning, safety, and long-term community benefits.

"Reconnecting the Westside has been a true community partnership. Our team has worked side-by-side with residents all year to understand the neighborhood's needs and history, and that collaboration shows in these alternatives," said City Manager Mario Vasquez. "This summit is another important step toward solutions that honor the Westside's identity while improving safety and connectivity for generations to come."

Over the past year, the Reconnecting the Westside project has focused on planning safe transportation improvements for the community and addressing long-standing issues stemming from the construction of I-35 and I-670. Throughout this process, the team has gathered extensive community input that has shaped every step of the study. The initial and refined alternatives shared at this final summit reflect the voices and insights of the people who know the Westside best.

"The City is committed to ensuring that Westside residents have a real voice in the future of their neighborhood," said Councilmember Crispin Rea, 4th District-at-Large. "This work only matters if it reflects the lived experiences, needs, and aspirations of the people who call the Westside home. Their partnership and input have driven this project forward every step of the way."

At this final summit, attendees will:

• Review the initial and refined alternatives for Reconnecting the Westside
• Review how the refined alternatives meet the project purpose, needs, goals and environmental and engineering factors
• See how their feedback has directly informed the alternatives

• Help define the path forward as the project moves into next phases

"This final summit is the community's chance to see how their ideas have shaped these initial and refined alternatives-and to make sure we get this right," said Councilmember Eric Bunch, 4th District.

Kansas City remains deeply committed to a transparent and community-centered process and encourages all residents to take part in this final opportunity to weigh in before recommendations are finalized.

Event Details:

Saturday, December 13, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center
1701 Jarboe Street
Kansas City, MO 64108

For more information, visit ReconnectWestside.com