KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Unified Government Mayor/CEO David Alvey held the annual State of the City speech Tuesday, asking leaders to make sure new projects in the community help those who live in Wyandotte County.
"You can bring all the development - The Legends is great; Fairfax is great with Amazon," Alvey said. "Those are all good things, but if it doesn't help improve the quality of life for the people who live here, there is really no point in doing it."
The UG is focusing on neighborhoods as a top priority.
They are asking homeowners to take charge.
"Our SOAR initiative, which we have been working on the last couple of years, is all about what you can do to make your home in compliance with codes and how to make your neighborhood safe," Melissa Sieben, assistant county administrator, said.
The city is also giving residents ways to get involved with their entire family.
"That's a great way to get out," Sieben said. "Adopt a lot near a school or a park near your house and we will give your recognition for that."
The Mayor and assistant county administrator said this goal will make KCK a better place to live.
"It's your home. It's my home and we just need to work together to make sure it's the best place to live and raise a family," Sieben said.
City officials said with some of their projects in place, crime is down city-wide 11 percent and as much as 28 percent in some neighborhoods.
