Hi Kansas City!
This summer, I officially kicked off my campaign for Kansas City’s 4th District At-Large City Council seat, and I’ve spent the past few months meeting residents, visiting neighborhoods, learning from community organizations, and participating in conversations about the future of our city.
From neighborhood meetings and community cleanups to public safety discussions and local events, here’s a look at what we’ve been up to this summer.
Officially Kicking Off the Campaign
On June 10, we officially kicked-off my campaign for Kansas City’s 4th District At-Large City Council seat at Nour’s restaurant!
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to introduce myself to residents across Kansas City, hear about the issues affecting their neighborhoods, and learn more about what people want to see from their local government.
Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me into your neighborhood meetings, hosted a meet and greet, or taken the time to share your thoughts.
Meeting Neighbors Across Kansas City
Neighborhood conversations have been a major part of my summer. As a city council member, I intend to keep an open dialogue with the residents of Kansas City, listening to, and addressing needs as they arise across the city. I’ve been building relationships across the city as I’ve attended meetings and walks, including:
Neighborhood Associations for Chaumiere, Oak Park, Boone Hills, Santa Fe, Rockhill Crest, Rockhill Ridge, Longfellow, Pendleton Heights, and Lykins.
The South Kansas City Alliance General Meeting.
The Briar Cliff Hills and Sherwood Estates neighborhood walks.
The Plaza District Council Coffee Meeting.
The Historic Northeast Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue CID safety and security meeting.
I also hosted Meet and Greets at Core Coffee and Equal Minded Cafe where I was able to introduce myself, hear directly from residents, and learn about neighborhood and citywide priorities. In June, I partnered with Debonie at Aimwell Yoga to host a conversation about the future of Kansas City as part of our Healthy Community event series. Consistently, I’ve heard about the need for increasing affordable housing and expanding reliable public transportation as top priorities.
Community Service in Action
Being involved in Kansas City means showing up beyond meetings and campaign events. My parents always emphasized that serving others is the most important thing you can do in this life, which is why I want to serve as a city council member. This campaign is rooted in service, so, this summer, I participated in several community service efforts, including:
Helping with Fourth of July fireworks cleanup in the Westside, Historic Northeast, and Hyde Park neighborhoods.
Joining State Representative Wick Thomas for a trash pickup at Concourse Park.
Helping with storm relief efforts in Kansas City, Kansas.
Participating in South Plaza Dumpster Day.
Supporting the KC Defender’s Back to School event.
Joining the Hot 103 Jamz donation drive supporting Uzazi Village.
I also toured Seton Center to learn more about its dental, food, clothing, and mental health services for residents of Kansas City and Jackson County, and visited Kanbe’s Market to learn about its work supporting food access across the metro.
Conversations About Public Safety & Stronger Communities
Public safety and community relationships were recurring topics throughout the summer. I’ve been attending KC 360 meetings, which focus on reducing crime and building stronger relationships throughout Kansas City.
I also participated in the Blue Hills Neighborhood Association Peace Walk at MLK Park, a Stop the Violence Rally, the Santa Fe Neighborhood Safer Santa Fe Celebration, and safety discussions with community and neighborhood organizations.
These events provided opportunities to connect with residents and community members around safety, neighborhood conditions, and the work happening across Kansas City.
Discussing Kansas City’s Future
This summer also brought opportunities to engage with some of the major issues shaping our city.
I attended the Urban Summit Conference and Urban Summit Meeting to discuss goals and issues affecting Kansas City’s East Side.
I participated in a Transit for the People discussion about Kansas City’s transit system, including the transition from zero-fare service to fares, service reductions, and barriers to access.
I also attended a Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting about data centers, a development education event focused on reform and innovation, and a presentation on the Royals stadium development plan at Union Station. There has been significant development attention in KC, but the impacts on residents are not always beneficial or equitable. As a city councilman, I will make sure Kansas Citians get real community benefits out of large-scale development projects.
I also attended meetings of the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th District PIAC committees to learn more about neighborhood infrastructure and capital improvement priorities.
Civic Engagement & Community Events
Throughout the summer, I participated in events centered on civic engagement, community resources, and local connection.
Some highlights included:
Attending the KC Pride Parade and sharing DC4KC community resource flyers.
Participating in Juneteenth celebrations and tabling at the KC Defender Juneteenth Picnic.
Attending the People’s Pride Resource Fair.
Writing postcards with Mailstorm KC at the Plaza Library.
Participating in voter education and canvassing efforts related to Missouri Amendments 4 and 5.
Attending the From the Block to the Ballot event at Our Spot KC.
Joining the Troost Avenue Lawn Block Party and Northland Neighborhood United Block Party.
I also attended the town hall hosted by Our Spot KC, State Representative Wick Thomas, Councilman Johnathan Duncan, and members of the LGBTQ community to discuss improvements to the replacement for Kansas City’s conversion therapy ban ordinance.
Celebrating Kansas City
Kansas City is full of people creating, organizing, and bringing communities together. It has been such a joy to work alongside those people and recognize their contributions to the community.
I attended the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards, stopped by several primary election watch parties, and attended KC’s first film festival organized by KC: Full Tilt Festival.
This summer, I was honored to be recognized as a “Heavy Is the Head That Wears the Crown” honoree by Echoes of the City, a community wellness organization focused on emotional healing for underserved communities. To me, mental health is connected to so many aspects of our well-being, from housing and economic stability to community safety and access to healthcare. I want to help build a Kansas City where we prioritize mental health, expand access to care, and create communities where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. I plan to continue to uplift the mission of organizations like Echoes of the City.
Thank You, Kansas City!
It was a summer filled with opportunities to connect with people across different neighborhoods, organizations, and communities.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with me, invited me to a neighborhood meeting, shared a concern, volunteered, or helped make these events possible.
I’m grateful for the conversations and connections made over the past few months, and I look forward to continuing to meet residents and hear what matters to you.
Stay connected with DC4KC!
🌐 Website: DC4KC.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @DC4KC
See you around the neighborhood!
— DC Okonta
Candidate for Kansas City 4th District At-Large City Council