On Monday, April 27, at their regular monthly meeting, following a presentation by Board Member Kevin Barth of Commerce Bank, the KC Chamber Board of Directors adopted a motion to endorse the Kansas City Housing Gateway Program. The Resolution is as follows:

WHEREAS, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (“KC Chamber”) is committed to advancing regional economic prosperity, workforce stability, and inclusive growth throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area; and

WHEREAS, access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is a foundational element of a strong regional economy; and

WHEREAS, the Kansas City Housing Gateway Program (“KC Housing Gateway Program”) has been established to build a coordinated, accessible, and outcome-driven homelessness response system that connects individuals and families to housing and supportive services efficiently and equitably; and

WHEREAS, a core goal ofthe KC Housing Gateway Program is to achieve Functional Zero, defined as building system capacity so that individuals experiencing homelessness are housed as quickly, resulting in sustained reductions rather than temporary relief; and

WHEREAS, the KC Housing Gateway Program seeks to increase awareness and public engagement by clearly communicating goals, progress, and outcomes to stakeholders, strengthening shared understanding, public trust, and collective responsibility while elevating the impact of homelessness on economic stability, public safety, and community well-being; and

WHEREAS, the KC Housing Gateway Program is designed to create a City-managed system, using transparent data, outcomes, and reporting to attract business, philanthropic, and public investment with a long-term objective of transitioning to a system fully owned, operated, funded and managed by the City of Kansas City, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, the KC Housing Gateway Program commits to implementing nationally recognized best practices and evidence-based approaches successfully utilized in communities across the country through the retention of Clutch Consulting, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in homelessness systems and strategic implementation; and

WHEREAS, the KC Housing Gateway Program maintains a strong focus on implementation and measurable results, including the establishment of an independent advisory council of business and philanthropic leaders to support execution, provide oversight, and promote transparency and public accountability; and

WHEREAS, endorsement by the KC Chamber underscores the importance of private-sector leadership and cross-sector collaboration in advancing effective, long-term housing and homelessness solutions;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT STATED BY THE GREATER KANSAS CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

THAT the KC Chamber hereby endorses the KC Housing Gateway Program and its goals to achieve Functional Zero, increase public awareness and engagement, establish a durable City-managed system, implement national best practices, and maintain accountability through measurable results; and ADOPTED AND ISSUED by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.