Public safety remains a top priority. As Chair of the Committee on the Rehabilitation and Detention Center, Councilman Crispin Rea led months of expert testimony, research, and public engagement. That work resulted in placing a renewal of the Public Safety Sales Tax on the ballot to fund a new city rehabilitation and detention facility—approved by voters with over 60% support.
With Councilman Rea’s leadership and full support, the Kansas City Police Department added 150 new officers to strengthen neighborhood policing and more than doubled the number of 911 call takers. He also championed innovative, prevention-focused strategies, including REACH, a pre-arrest diversion program, partnered with the LGBTQ+ community to adopt hate-crime enhancements for offenses based on race, gender, or sexual orientation, and directed the City Manager to implement cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals at high risk of committing violence, and is leading the implementation of restorative justice model.
While challenges remain, Councilman Rea continues to focus on reducing business burglaries, auto thefts, and other property crimes. In partnership with KCPD, he supported a multi-week operation targeting illegal ATV side shows and sponsored legislation authorizing law enforcement to confiscate ATVs operating illegally—prioritizing safety, accountability, and quality of life for Kansas City residents and businesses.
Basic city services are the foundation of effective local government. Sidewalk maintenance, street repair, litter abatement, and addressing illegal dumping consistently rank among the issues that matter most to residents across Kansas City. For too long, satisfaction with the City’s delivery of these basic services has not met residents’ expectations.
Every year, Councilman Rea fights hard for your budget priorities including doubling the budget for sidewalk maintenance and litter abatement, implementing a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal dumping that invested in new equipment, hired additional investigators, installed dozens of monitoring cameras, and strengthened penalties for repeat offenders.
Targeted neighborhood investments further advanced this work including $1 million for infrastructure and sidewalk improvements in the Northland’s Chaumiere neighborhood, $3 million for a new outdoor pool on the Westside, $3 million for a state-of-the-art youth soccer facility at 9th and Van Brunt, and $1 million for improvements at Budd Park—along with millions more dedicated to sidewalk and park projects throughout the city.
These investments reflect a commitment to delivering the core services residents rely on every day while improving quality of life in neighborhoods across Kansas City.
Councilman Rea has maintained a strong focus on supporting small businesses including hosting dozens of small business meet-and-greets that have generated thousands of dollars in direct revenue for local entrepreneurs and provided an immediate boost to businesses that needed it most. More than 30 restaurants were supported through these efforts—many of them recovering from recent burglaries and property crimes.
Councilman Rea stood with workers and organized labor and worked with staff to implement heat-safety protections for city employees, reflecting a commitment to worker health and safety. Advocacy on behalf of first responders, Public Works Department staff, transit workers, and service employees who are dedicated to serving the residents of Kansas City,ensured that the voices of frontline workers were represented and respected in City Hall.
In addition, Councilman Rea supported a number of transformational economic development projects that are transforming neighborhoods and driving long-term growth. These include Somera Road in the West Bottoms, the Historic Northeast Lofts, Ascent Apartments in the Northland, the redevelopment of Barney Allis Plaza, and the Pennway Point Entertainment District, and Berkley Riverfront—along with many other projects contributing to a stronger, more inclusive economy across Kansas City.
Together, these efforts reflect a commitment to local businesses, working families, and smart economic development that benefits neighborhoods citywide.
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