Eastside Opportunity Ventures

08/20/2026

Community investment should be intentional, equitable, and accountable.

We support QPAD’s call for a clear Community Benefits Agreement to ensure that communities with generations of disinvestment—particularly Northeast KCK—have a defined role and a meaningful share in the public investments being considered.

This is about making sure community voices are part of the decision-making before the dollars are committed, not after.

We encourage our community to stay engaged, learn more, and make your voice heard at tonight’s Board of Commissioners meeting.

QPAD COMMUNITY ACTION

Commissioners Meeting Tonight Agenda Item 10.1 - Community Benefits Investment

Dear QPAD Community,

The Unified Government (UG) is moving quickly to place new city and county sales tax measures on the November 3, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, these measures would generate significant new funding for parks, infrastructure, and public health.

QPAD supports investment in Kansas City, Kansas. We also believe that communities that have experienced generations of disinvestment - particularly Northeast Kansas City, Kansas - must have a guaranteed and accountable way to benefit from this new public investment.

Tomorrow, Thursday, August 20, the Board of Commissioners will consider Agenda Item 10.1. QPAD is asking the Board to amend this item to include a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that establishes a Community Revitalization component. Our proposal calls for one-third (33 1/3%) to support community revitalization through the QPAD Community Revitalization Trust (QPAD-CRT), coordinated with a Community Improvement District (CID) and supported by resident leadership, independent financial oversight, audits, public reporting, and measurable outcomes.

Why does this amendment matter? QPAD and the community have spent years developing and presenting a Community First systems approach for revitalizing Northeast KCK. Without a written Community Benefits Agreement, approval of these taxes alone does not guarantee that historically disinvested Northeast neighborhoods will receive a defined share of the investment or have a meaningful role in deciding how revitalization dollars are used. Our amendment is intended to put that commitment in writing before the proposal moves forward.

We are not opposing progress - we are asking to be included in it.

Please attend the Commissioners Meeting tomorrow, August 20, and ask Commissioners to support amending Agenda Item 10.1 to include the Community Benefits Agreement and QPAD Community Revitalization Trust.

Our Community. Our Investment. Our Future.

Quindaro Peace & Arts District (QPAD)

Community First. Community Led. Community Accountable.

Email: [email protected]

08/20/2026

Justice for Wyandotte and other community orgs are stepping up in the best ways to help our neighbors - check out the resources and support them here!

Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City KS, Public Works is doing what they can — but it'll take a village to get our neighborhoods cleaned up and ensure everyone is safe and cared for.

Be sure to report downed trees in the public right-of-way or debris blocking a street by submitting a request at myWyco or by calling 3-1-1.

We always have an event in the works! Whether it is a rally, protest, fundraiser, or community building event, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Fill out the form below to get involved!

08/18/2026

08/13/2026

We were proud to partner with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Peter Claver Court #61 of Our Lady & St. Rose Catholic Church as they turned awareness into action. 💙

Their commitment to caring for a local bus stop is exactly what the Adopt-A-Stop program is about—neighbors, organizations, and community partners taking ownership of the spaces that connect us.

We’re grateful for their partnership and excited to keep spreading the word about Adopt-A-Stop and creating more opportunities for Northeast KCK to get involved. When we work together, small acts of care can make a big difference.

07/29/2026

You’re not just casting a ballot, you’re using your voice, advocating for your community and helping shape what comes next.

Voting can feel overwhelming, especially when rules, deadlines and polling procedures aren’t always clear. That’s why knowing your rights before you arrive matters. Save this post, share it with someone in your community and scan the QR code for trusted, free resources from the ACLU. A prepared voter is a powerful voter.

***REMEMBER: If you're voting by mail, don't wait! Although a court has temporarily blocked the law that would have ended Kansas' three-day grace period, returning your ballot early is still the best way to avoid delays and ensure your vote is counted.

07/27/2026

Voting rights ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to be heard and help shape their community.

The Voter Rights Network of Wyandotte County is doing just that—equipping residents with the education, information, and tools they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box — in partnership with League of Women Voters of JoCo, AIRR, El Centro, Kansas Black Leadership Council, ACLU of Kansas, and many others.

Inform Your Vote: Elected vs. Appointed provided a thoughtful look at the proposed Kansas constitutional amendment on judicial selection and the potential implications for our state.

🗳️ The Kansas Primary Election is August 4, and early voting is underway. Make your voting plan, review your ballot, and if you're voting by mail, return your ballot as soon as possible to help ensure it's counted.

Watch the full conversation before you vote — linked in our bio:
https://www.youtube.com/live/gEWP9PZp92E?si=D7w9TPfYE4_4rzl3

Every vote is a voice. Make yours heard. 🗳️

07/17/2026

Build Something ➡️ Entrepreneurship & Business Ownership

This month's Back to The Center: Build Something focuses on another priority identified by Quindaro residents: entrepreneurship, business ownership, and creating opportunities to build wealth right here in our community.

Thinking about starting a business?
Growing an existing one?
Or simply curious about the resources available?

This will connect you with local entrepreneurs, business support organizations, and practical tools to help turn ideas into action.

Join us for the following:

1. Presentation on The Cofoundry & BIC by Keystone Innovation District
2. Panel discussion on Growing Quindaro's GDP, featuring:
- Steven Hooks
- John & Leah McPherson of Leah's Laundromat on the Q
- Ri Kayla Watson Right Touch Beauty

3. Resource tables featuring local organizations supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses
4. Food, fellowship, and community connection

Date: Tuesday, July 28
Time: 5:30–7:30 PM

Hosted by: Quindaro Community Center

In partnership with: Black Excellence Inc, Keystone Innovation District, and Eastside Opportunity Ventures

07/12/2026

The FIFA World Cup has brought thousands of visitors to Kansas City, creating an opportunity to showcase everything our region has to offer. But the greatest impact of a global event isn't measured only by the matches played. It's measured by the lasting investments that strengthen our communities long after the final whistle.

Economic development is about preparing for moments like these. Strategic investments in infrastructure, business growth, workforce development, and innovation create places where people want to visit, invest, and build their future.

We believe transformational growth starts with intentional collaboration. By creating opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and neighborhoods to thrive, we're helping build a stronger, more connected Kansas City that is ready for the world today and positioned for success tomorrow.

Global events may capture attention, but community-driven innovation creates lasting impact. Let's keep the ball rolling!

📸: Eastside Team 💙
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