FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
As Kansas City welcomes the world this summer, we have an opportunity to demonstrate one of our region’s greatest strengths: our ability to make people feel they belong.
That spirit was reflected in an important milestone last week when the Kansas City, Missouri City Council approved Ordinance No. 260506 establishing the Welcoming KC Commission. This action builds on Kansas City’s recent achievement of becoming a Certified Welcoming community and creates a permanent, resident-led structure to help sustain that work. The Commission will provide guidance on equitable access to services, civic engagement, and strategies that ensure immigrants, refugees, and newcomers can fully participate in community life.
The KC Chamber has long believed that welcoming communities are stronger communities. Places where people feel connected and valued are better positioned to attract talent, foster innovation, and create economic opportunity.
That matters because our region’s future growth depends on people. Employers across Greater Kansas City continue to face workforce challenges, and our ability to compete depends on attracting and retaining talent from all backgrounds. When people feel welcomed, they are more likely to invest their skills, start businesses, build careers, and put down roots.
The creation of the Welcoming KC Commission is more than a policy change. It provides a framework for accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement that will help ensure Kansas City remains a place of opportunity and belonging for years to come.
Thank you to the advocates, community organizations, civic leaders, and residents who helped make this possible. Together, we are building a stronger region; one where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, thrive, and call Kansas City home.
GROW TO genKC 2026
If your organization hosts summer interns, make sure they know about Grow to genKC on Wednesday, July 15, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at H&R Block headquarters (One H&R Block Way, KCMO). Hosted by genKC, this annual event connects interns with local leaders and peers while showcasing the professional opportunities, vibrant culture, and quality of life that make Kansas City a place where young talent can thrive.
Attendees will hear from Kansas City-area leaders during an engaging panel discussion before networking with fellow interns from across the region during a happy hour reception. Registration is just $5 and includes access to the panel discussion, heavy appetizers, drink tickets, and entry into a prize drawing. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING AT LYRIC OPERA OF KANSAS CITY
Step behind the curtain and make new business connections at our next Neighborhood Networking event, hosted by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City on Friday, July 24, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at its Opera Center in the Crossroads Arts District (1725 Holmes St.).
Neighborhood Networking offers a unique opportunity to experience a KC Chamber member organization firsthand while building relationships with professionals from across the region. During this event, attendees will enjoy networking, hear brief remarks from the host organization, tour the Lyric Opera’s facilities, and learn more about its impact on the Kansas City community. The organization provides transformational opera experiences while also offering educational and community engagement programs for adults and children throughout the region.
Neighborhood Networking is one of the KC Chamber’s most popular relationship-building programs, giving members the chance to explore businesses and organizations across a variety of industries while making valuable professional connections. Register today!
BUILDING BLOCKS OF DISABILITY INCLUSION: MYTHS, ETIQUETTE & EVERYDAY PRACTICE
Disability inclusion is more than a policy; it’s a daily practice that helps organizations strengthen culture, foster belonging, and unlock innovation. Join the KC Chamber and the Center for Disability Inclusion (CDI) on Tuesday, August 4, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. for Building Blocks of Disability Inclusion: Myths, Etiquette & Everyday Practice, the first session in a four-part interactive workshop series.
Through engaging activities, storytelling, case studies, and group discussions, participants will challenge common misconceptions, practice inclusive language and workplace etiquette, strengthen interviewing and interaction skills, and prepare for deeper conversations around mental health and caregiver inclusion. Designed for professionals at every level—from new hires and employee resource groups to managers and organizational leaders—this free program will provide practical tools to help build workplaces where everyone can thrive. Register today!
SAVE THE DATE: STATE OF PUBLIC SAFETY RETURNS AUGUST 20
Public safety is foundational to economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life. That is why the KC Chamber is proud to support the Kansas City Public Safety Coalition and its ongoing efforts to bring community leaders, public safety professionals, businesses, and residents together around shared solutions.
Mark your calendar now for the 2026 State of Public Safety on Thursday, August 20. Building on the success of previous events, State of Public Safety will bring together leaders from law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and other key stakeholders to discuss current public safety trends, challenges, and opportunities, as well as the collaborative efforts underway to make our region safer and stronger.
Whether you are a business leader, community advocate, nonprofit partner, or concerned resident, this event offers valuable insights into the issues shaping our region and the work being done to address them. Additional event details and registration information will be available soon. For now, save the date and plan to join us on August 20 for this important regional conversation.