Kit Bond to be Kansas City's new federal lobbyist

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Former Missouri Senator and Governor Kit Bond is Kansas City's new federal lobbyist.

City officials announced he was selected after a local and national search on Wednesday. In a news release, Mayor Sly James said Bond will exclusively lobby for the city.

“There are few other than our current elected officials who know our needs and priorities as well as Kit Bond," James said. "He has long been a friend of Kansas City and will be a powerful voice in Washington to assist in accomplishing our goals."

James said Bond's proven track record -- including working on local projects like the IRS Center, the NNSA/Honeywell Project, the Charles Evans Whitaker Federal Courthouse, Sam Rodgers Community Health Center, Swope Parkway Community Health Center, the Guadalupe Center, the KCATA Bus Rapid Transit System and the Chouteau Bridge, according to the release -- will strengthen the city's reputation.

He also said Bond's experience with KCATA will help the city with its downtown streetcar project.

Bond said he's looking forward to the new position.

“In the Governor’s Mansion and in the U.S. Senate I championed Kansas City’s priorities, from revitalizing neighborhoods, to improving transportation infrastructure, to increasing access to health care, and I am excited to continue fighting for the city on this new front,” he said in a news release.