FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kansas City, Missouri, voters will decide on April 7 whether to renew the city’s 1% earnings tax (E-Tax), which has funded essential city services since 1963 and must be renewed every five years under Missouri law.
To provide additional perspective, I invited Bridgette Williams, Executive Director of the Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City, to share why her organization supports renewing the E-Tax and what the measure means for the region’s infrastructure. The Heavys represent contractors and industry partners who build and maintain much of the region’s critical infrastructure—from roads and bridges to major public works projects.
Guest Message: Why the Heavy Constructors Support Renewing the E-Tax
By Bridgette Williams, Executive Director, Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City
When people talk about infrastructure, it can sound abstract. But it’s really about the roads we drive every day, the streets our kids travel to get to school, and the condition of the neighborhoods we call home.
Anyone who has driven across Kansas City knows what it looks like when maintenance falls behind: potholes that damage cars, rough and unsafe streets, and roads that deteriorate faster than the city can repair them. Left unchecked, pavement that should have been maintained can quickly resemble the gravel roads many of us remember from decades ago.
For families, the impact is immediate. Parents shouldn’t have to worry about the condition of the road when driving their kids to school. Businesses shouldn’t have to wonder whether employees or deliveries can reliably get where they need to go.
That’s why the April 7 vote to renew Kansas City’s 1% earnings tax matters.
The earnings tax provides roughly 47% of Kansas City’s general fund revenue. It helps support essential services that keep the city functioning, including street maintenance, road repairs, snow removal, and other public works operations.
From the construction industry’s perspective, the connection is clear: infrastructure requires steady, predictable funding. Roads don’t fix themselves, and delaying maintenance only makes repairs more expensive. A small pothole today quickly becomes a much larger—and costlier—problem tomorrow.
If the earnings tax is not renewed, Kansas City would lose a major share of the funding that supports these services. The alternatives are straightforward: higher property taxes, higher sales taxes, new fees, or significant cuts to city services and infrastructure maintenance.
None of those options move Kansas City forward.
Election Day is April 7. Learn more or get involved at together-kc.com.
CENTURIONS LEGACY PROJECT
Each year, the KC Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program partners with a local nonprofit to complete a Legacy Project, an initiative designed to create meaningful, lasting impact across the Kansas City region. Led by Centurion volunteers, these projects bring together leadership, service, and collaboration to strengthen organizations and the communities they serve.
If your nonprofit organization is interested in being selected for the 2026–2027 Legacy Project, now is the time to get involved. Start by attending the virtual information session on Monday, April 6, where Centurions will walk through the purpose and history of the Legacy Project, outline the application process, and answer your questions. Learn more and register for the information session now.
From there, take advantage of the application workshop on Monday, April 20, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (4801 Rockhill Rd., KCMO), designed to help you put your best foot forward. This session offers the opportunity to review your application with a Legacy Committee member and gain valuable feedback before submission. Learn more and sign up for the application workshop today.
Applications are open now, with a deadline of May 8, so don’t wait to explore how your organization could benefit from the time, talent, and energy of Centurions volunteers committed to making a difference.
LANGUAGE ACCESS & CULTURAL PREPAREDNESS
Kansas City is preparing to welcome the world, and your organization has an opportunity to be part of that moment. The Language Access and Cultural Preparedness Program is a hands-on, in-person workshop designed to help frontline staff, volunteers, and community members confidently engage with international guests and represent our region at its very best.
Participants will gain practical insights into cultural expectations and communication styles across key global regions, along with helpful language tips and essential phrases to better connect with visitors. The session also focuses on best practices for creating a positive, inclusive customer experience—ensuring every interaction reflects the welcoming spirit Kansas City is known for.
Taking place on Wednesday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the KC Chamber Board Room in Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO), this workshop comes at a pivotal time as our region prepares for a global stage. Now is the time to equip your team with the tools, confidence, and cultural awareness to help Kansas City shine. Learn more and register today!
A CENTURY OF STEWARDSHIP: CONVERSATION ON KC’S GOVERNMENT
Kansas City is marking a significant milestone—100 years since adopting the council-manager form of government, a structure that continues to shape how our city operates today. This special event brings together community members and leaders for a thoughtful look at how this model has guided Kansas City’s growth and governance over the past century.
On Tuesday, April 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO), attendees will hear directly from Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Mario Vasquez during a fireside conversation exploring how the system works in practice, key lessons learned, and what the future may hold for Kansas City. The evening will also include time to connect with fellow civic and business leaders during a reception following the discussion. Learn more and register now!
WELCOMING COALITION SPRING LUNCHEON
Kansas City’s commitment to being a welcoming community continues to take shape, and this spring, you’re invited to be part of the conversation. The Welcoming Coalition Spring Luncheon brings together leaders from across sectors to share updates, insights, and inspiration around efforts to make our region more inclusive and connected.
Held Friday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO), this luncheon will feature updates on Kansas City, Missouri’s Certified Welcoming status and progress across the broader regional initiative, including Welcoming Johnson County. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Shukuru Habimana, a Kansas City entrepreneur and activist whose personal journey and work reflect the power of community and belonging.
Whether you’re engaged in this work every day or just beginning to explore it, you’ll leave with a new perspective, stronger connections, and a deeper understanding of how we move forward together. Learn more and register today!