Councilwoman MPH to Host 2026 State of the Third District

KANSAS CITY, MO- Kansas City residents, business leaders, and elected officials will gather for the State of the Third District on Saturday, March 7, 2026, an annual event highlighting major progress, partnerships, and the future of Kansas City's East Side.

Hosted by Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley (3rd District At-Large), this year's program will spotlight unprecedented collaboration across city, state, federal, and community partners and the real results taking shape across the Third District, from housing and infrastructure to economic development and neighborhood revitalization.

The event will feature Mayor Quinton Lucas for welcoming remarks and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Senator Barbara Anne Washington, State Representatives Pattie Mansur and Michael Johnson, Jackson County Legislator Venessa Huskey, and KCPS Board Chair Rita Cortes for a cross-government collaboration panel discussion on how coordinated leadership is delivering outcomes for Kansas City residents.

The evening will conclude with the Heart of the City Spotlights Ceremony, recognizing residents, businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhood initiatives driving meaningful change across the district, following a robust public nomination process.

• Doors open: 2:00 PM
• Information booths & food: 3:00 PM
• Program: 4:00 - 6:00 PM
• Where: Zhou B. Art Center Kansas City
  1801 E. 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64127

Open to the public. RSVP required: bit.ly/stateofthethird

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Advance Interviews:

Interviews with Councilwoman Patterson Hazley are available in advance of the event to discuss the State of the Third District and why residents should attend.

Day-of Media Availability (March 7):
Media will have access to interviews with:

• Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley
• Participating elected officials
• Willing community members and business partners
• 3:00 - 4:00 PM (pre-program media availability)
• Immediately following the program at 6:00 PM
• Media is able to stay for the duration or other portions of the event, but interviews will not be conducted during the program.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The State of the Third District has become a key annual convening that brings together residents, policymakers, and partners to provide transparency, celebrate progress, and build momentum for the work ahead.

This year's event highlights:

• Major housing and vacant land activation initiatives
• Environmental cleanup and redevelopment efforts
• Infrastructure and mobility investments
• Workforce pipelines for public safety and construction trades
• Continued revitalization of the historic 18th & Vine District
• and much more!

Together, these efforts reflect a broader strategy to ensure equitable investment, neighborhood stability, and long-term opportunity for East Side residents.

SPONSORS

BLAQUEKC, Pet Resource Center, Twelfth Street Heritage Development Corporation, Spire, IAFF Local 3808, Senator Barbara Anne Washington, Vasquez Grayson JV LLC, Zhou B. Art Center, DRAW Architecture + Urban Design, Pendulum, McCownGordon Construction, Husch Blackwell, Polsinelli

PARTNERS

ArtsTech, Total Man CDC