For the past seven years, I’ve been honored to lead this city during a time when we’ve tackled difficult problems together and faced our challenges head on. We have learned that if we want to be the city we can … Read More »

Over the past several months, I’ve been joined by a coalition of dedicated community organizations, leaders and educators in an unprecedented effort to ensure every 4-year-old living in Kansas City has access to high-quality pre-K instruction. We’ve met with well … Read More »

Kansas City is stronger and more vibrant than ever. Together, we’ve revitalized a stagnant downtown with the Power & Light District, Sprint Center, the Streetcar, the Kauffman Center, and so much more. We’re the smartest city in the world with … Read More »

To: The Students of Kansas City From: Mayor Sly James RE: April 20, 2018 National School Walkout Day Dear Student Leaders: Let me first tell you how proud I am of you for persisting in this effort to make your … Read More »

Originally published in The Kansas City Star. Dear Students, I’ve been listening and watching the news for several days since the violence in Parkland, Florida and wondering how did we, once again, allow more of you to be mowed down by … Read More »

Today, I’m proud to announce that the City Council adopted the MOU between the City and Edgemoor for a new single terminal airport, 8-5. Before asking the clerk to take roll for the vote, I addressed council: “I came into office … Read More »

When Congress passed the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, it was the first in a series of actions that recognized the changing face of America’s labor force. The legislation mandated that employers provide their employees up to … Read More »

Co-authored by Mayor Sly James and KCPD Chief Rick Smith If you’re like both of us, you look at Kansas City’s crime statistics and wince. Maybe you get angry. Maybe you want someone or something to blame. We get it. … Read More »

If you’ve ever seen the look on a child’s face when they learn how to read a word, then you know there is simply nothing else like it. Reading is the basis for developing critical thinking skills and lifelong learning … Read More »

For six-and-a-half years, we’ve enjoyed unprecedented levels of progress and momentum in Kansas City. I believe that is, in no small part, the result of confronting complex problems with thoughtful analysis, precise data, and a careful deliberative process. Unfortunately, the … Read More »