AY Young Named Sustainability Ambassador for Kansas City

In this role, Young will engage with local businesses, organizations, communities, and youth to help elevate the visibility of Kansas City's environmental initiatives, emphasizing how local actions connect to broader global sustainability conversations. The ambassadorship focuses on cultural storytelling and community engagement.

"We welcome Kansas City's partnership with AY Young to elevate the sustainability work happening across the City," said City Manager Mario Vasquez. "Our collective efforts will advance ongoing education and engagement, especially with the next generation".

Young, a Kansas City native, is known internationally for using music as a platform to highlight sustainability and clean energy through performances, educational outreach, and collaborative storytelling. His work centers on listening to communities, amplifying existing efforts, and creating accessible narratives that resonate across generations.

The ambassadorship aligns with Kansas City's continued work through the Office of Environmental Quality to support environmental stewardship, civic participation, and public awareness across multiple focus areas. Young's engagement will highlight initiatives already underway, offering residents and audiences a clearer view into the city's sustainability landscape.

"This opportunity is about coming home and listening," AY Young said. "Kansas City has important sustainability work happening across neighborhoods and communities. My role is to help shine a light on those efforts, learn from the people doing the work, and help tell those stories in ways that connect locally and globally."

Young's work as Sustainability Ambassador will take place throughout 2026, coinciding with increased global attention on Kansas City as the region prepares to host FIFA events. References to these events are contextual and do not imply affiliation or endorsement.