Lace Cline - Asst. City Manager for Public Safety

For immediate release: February 20, 2026

City Manager Mario Vasquez is announcing the appointment of LaceShionna "Lace" Cline as Assistant City Manager for Public Safety, bringing nearly 15 years of leadership experience in prosecution, litigation, policy development, and executive strategy.

Cline most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Public Safety in the Office of Mayor Quinton Lucas, where she led high-visibility public safety initiatives and advised on complex legislative and policy matters. During her tenure, she played a key leadership role in advancing amendments to the City's chronic nuisance ordinance to allow faster action when violence occurs at businesses, as well as the recently adopted gas station drug ban ordinance.

"Lace brings the kind of leadership that listens, builds trust, and produces results," said City Manager Mario Vasquez. "I have been very impressed with her accomplishments. She understands that strong public safety requires coordination, accountability, and partnership across our entire city. I am confident she will help us strengthen the way in which we deliver public safety services in Kansas City."

A Kansas City native, Cline previously served as an assistant county prosecutor in two urban jurisdictions and clerked for the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. She has also practiced in private law, defending employers in complex litigation and advising clients on regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. She earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Missouri and holds an Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate.

As Assistant City Manager for Public Safety, Cline will oversee the City's coordinated public safety strategy, including cross-departmental alignment, policy implementation, and continued collaboration with municipal partners and community stakeholders.

"In her time at City Hall, Lace has transformed public safety and public engagement in Kansas City, ensuring that Kansas City government is working closely with our neighborhoods, small businesses, and law enforcement to prevent crime, enhance accountability, and bring outreach to every corner of our community," said Mayor Quinton Lucas. "Lace understands the broad, collaborative efforts it takes to build a safer city for our families.  Her service as Assistant City Manager for Public Safety will continue to show progress in bringing Kansas Citians the safety we deserve." 

"It has been a privilege to serve in the Mayor's Office, and I am excited to continue serving Kansas City as Assistant City Manager for Public Safety," said Cline. "Public safety is strongest when it is collaborative, strategic, and community-centered. I look forward to continuing this work by building a sustainable public safety infrastructure alongside our departments, community partners, and residents, ensuring that we keep turning strategy into action that strengthens public safety in all our neighborhoods for generations to come."

Cline's appointment reflects the City's continued focus on coordinated leadership, strategic policy development, and measurable outcomes in public safety.