Let’s Build a Better US-71: Join the Final Community Summit in Kansas City
The Reconnecting the East Side project is hosting its fourth and final Community Summit on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at St. James United Methodist Church, located at 5540 Wayne Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64110. This summit is a key opportunity for residents to review draft recommendations for the US-71 corridor and provide valuable feedback.
What Is the Reconnecting the East Side Project?
The Reconnecting the East Side project is a collaborative effort by Kansas City, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). Its goal is to address the divide caused by the construction of US-71, which separated neighborhoods on the east and west sides of the corridor.
The project area spans from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the north to 85th Street on the south, and from Paseo Boulevard on the west to Swope Parkway on the east. This initiative focuses on critical issues such as land use, green space, housing, economic development, public health, education, safety, traffic, and transit. By reconnecting communities, the project aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for Kansas City.
What to Expect at the Final Community Summit
The April 7 Community Summit is the culmination of months of planning and engagement. Attendees will:
- Review draft recommendations for the US-71 corridor.
- Learn about the process that led to these recommendations.
- Provide feedback to shape the project’s final outcomes.
This is the last of four planned Community Summits. The previous summits were held at:
- Southeast High School on March 22, 2025.
- Blue Parkway Sun Fresh on June 24, 2025.
- Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center on September 16, 2025.
Materials from these summits are available online. Additionally, the project website features an interactive engagement map where residents can share their concerns and feedback. Visit ReconnectEastSide.com to explore these resources and stay involved.
Project Funding and Support
The first two phases of the Reconnecting the East Side project are funded by a $5 million federal RAISE grant, with an additional $2.5 million contributed by Kansas City and MoDOT. This funding highlights the importance of addressing the historical impact of US-71 and investing in the future of Kansas City’s east side.
How to Stay Connected
Stay informed and engaged with the Reconnecting the East Side project by visiting ReconnectEastSide.com. The website offers updates, event details, and opportunities to provide feedback. You can also email Contact@ReconnectEastSide.com or subscribe to receive updates about the project and upcoming engagement events.
Related Topics and Resources
For more insights into urban development and community-focused initiatives, check out this article on The Narrative Matters. Additionally, learn more about the RAISE grant program and its impact on infrastructure projects by visiting the U.S. Department of Transportation website.
By attending the Reconnecting the East Side Fourth and Final Community Summit, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of Kansas City’s east side. Let’s work together to build a better US-71 and reconnect our communities for generations to come.
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