ORDINANCE NO. 260506
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Sponsor: Councilmember Wes Rogers
Amending Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances, entitled "Boards, Commissions and Committees," by enacting a new Division 6, entitled "Welcoming KC Commission," consisting of Sections 2-851 through 2-855, to formally establish such commission; and directing the City Manager to appoint a liaison and coordinate departmental support for the commission.
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WHEREAS, Kansas City is home to newcomer, immigrant, and refugee residents whose full participation in civic life strengthens the City and its neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor's Commission for New Americans conducted community engagement and developed recommendations concerning how the City can better serve immigrant and refugee communities; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to build upon that work by establishing an advisory body to provide ongoing resident-led input regarding inclusive service delivery, civic participation, language access, emergency communications, and neighborhood inclusion; and
WHEREAS, the January 2026 Certified Welcoming Audit identified the need for a formalized and active advisory body to sustain the City's welcoming efforts; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the Welcoming KC Commission will provide an ongoing forum for residents, community-based organizations, and City departments to identify barriers to City services and recommend improvements; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances, entitled "Boards, Commissions, and Committees," is hereby amended by enacting a new Division 6, entitled "Welcoming KC Commission," consisting of Sections 2-851 through 2-855, to read as follows:
DIVISION 6.
WELCOMING KC COMMISSION.
Sec. 2-851. Establishment and purpose.
There is hereby established an advisory body to be known as the Welcoming KC Commission. The purpose of the commis...
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