Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) joins area leaders to provide a report on transit progress and initiatives, while also inviting community input on future priorities.
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) will host its first Report to the Community at 3 p.m. Aug. 22, 2023, at the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center, 1824 Paseo Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
KCATA CEO Frank White III took the helm of the KCATA one year ago. White will present current initiatives, accomplishments and plans for the future growth of public transportation. Following White’s presentation, a panel of elected officials, community leaders and industry experts will dialog around questions posed to them by panel moderator Dia Wall, KSHB-41.
Panelists include Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, US Congress MO 5th District; Mayor Tyrone Garner, Unified Government of Wyandotte Co.-KCK; Chair Mike Kelly, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners; Carolyn Flowers, Managing Principal, InfraStrategies LLC; and Rev. Modest Miles, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.
“It is our goal to create greater transparency around what the KCATA is doing in the region, how initiatives are advancing, and get feedback from leaders across the metro on what would move the needle for those they serve,” said White. White, the first African-American to serve as President & CEO of KCATA, recently completed his first year as CEO, during which time the organization has been recognized nationally as an innovative leader for mobility options, fare programs and partnerships. It has also secured significant dollars to support the region and is a leader in transit-oriented community development.
Transportation is at the center of major development projects, ranging from the new KCI Terminal and the Panasonic EV Plant in DeSoto, to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. With this consideration, White states, “The work we need to do is not possible without the support of our regional leaders, area transportation partners and the community. We understand we have challenges and have pledged to address those while always improving reliability and safety for our riders and our employees.”
The community is invited to attend the free August 22 KCATA event. There will be an opportunity for attendees to weigh in on a Transit Needs Priorities survey that will be incorporated into KCATA’s Strategic Plan. Space is limited so RSVPs are requested at https://KCATAReport.eventbrite.com.