Framework of Engagement

It is our commitment to engage in an equitable process. We will leverage the Guiding Principles of Equity, by Bryan Stevenson as a guide.

  • With, Not For! Center the needs of the community and convene a multi-disciplinary, cross functional and multi-identity group to gather information and resources.

  • Get proximate to the problem! Work to understand: what is happening; who is benefiting and who is being harmed; how things work; who is already getting things done; what else is needed.

  • Attempt to change the narrative! Name the past and present narratives that impact the community and growth. Who holds/ creates/ perpetuates the narratives? What new narratives are needed?

  • Be open to new information! Listen to one another even if the information is different than what you expected or makes you uncomfortable.

  • Be willing to be uncomfortable! Change can be uncomfortable for some. So is inequity. So let’s navigate through our discomfort to create more equity.

  • Commit! Engage! Trust the Process! Recognize that community members have experienced success and disappointments. Let’s be honest and open about what is expected and possible.

  • No Quick Fix! Equitable change takes a combination of behavioral and systemic change. All entities must examine what and how change will occur.

  • Maintain Hope in the face of brutal facts! Historic and current inequities exist. We must acknowledge them and be reminded that we have power to transform our communities.

Upcoming Meetings

What is TOD (Transit-Oriented Development)?

Transit-oriented development – or “TOD” for short – is a term used to describe an approach to community development that emphasizes walkability, equity, empowerment, and access. This type of development will encourage long-lasting investments that will support existing resident and transit riders, welcome new neighbors, expand opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, support mixed-income neighborhoods and housing options, and make Kansas City stronger!

COMMON LANGUAGE:

  • Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) - Compact communities within a 10 to 15 min. walk of a transit stop and core commercial area including residential, retail, office, and public uses in a walkable environment.

  • Equity / Equitable - Providing access and resources based upon need.

  • Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (eTOD) - Development of transit-oriented communities with a focus on reducing or eliminating the displacement of current residents and businesses.

  • Public Space - Land and spaces owned by or accessible to the public including streets and sidewalks, parks and open spaces, and civic spaces.

  • Public Investment - Resources and dollars spent to improve the public spaces & systems that support development.

  • Neighborhood - An area of a community, typically within a ½ mile walkable radius, of similar development patterns and scales that included residential and commercial development.

  • Incremental Development - Small-scale development, improvements, and investments made within a neighborhood by residents and businesses of that neighborhood.

  • Missing Middle Housing - A term for the variety of neighborhood scaled housing options that are compatible with single-family homes and can include duplexes, fourplexes, and small-scale multiplexes.

  • Accessory Dwelling Units - A secondary dwelling unit on a property that provides additional housing within a neighborhood and can occur, within, attached to, or detached from the primary residence.

  • Wealth Building - Providing an opportunity to save money through reduced costs, improved access, or ownership.

  • Funding & Financing - Resources, investments, and dollars to pay for public improvements and private development.