by William Crum
In a speech highlighting economic development, civic innovation and improving health, Mayor Mark Holland today said the rest of the metro area has been watching Wyandotte County’s success in awe, and “the next big thing has been here all along.”
Holland today delivered his state of the government address to more than 350 people who attended a luncheon at the Reardon Convention Center in Kansas City, Kan.
This is the mayor’s second state of the government address. In his speech he spoke about countywide economic development, civic innovation and improving the health of Wyandotte County residents.
The mayor, who is also the CEO of the UG, specifically mentioned the new Dairy Farmers of America office building development, as well as luxury apartments and Schlitterbahn’s tallest waterslide in the world in the Village West area. He also noted there had been economic development in the 39th and Rainbow area, new businesses in Fairfax, new grocery stores in Argentine and Midtown, and reinvestment in downtown Kansas City, Kan.
“Wyandotte County is leading the state and the metro in job creation,” Mayor Holland said. “Our residents make up 5 percent of Kansas’ population, but we created 30 percent of new Kansas jobs in 2014; that number was 40 percent across the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The opportunities are here, and we need to make sure our citizens have access to these world-class jobs.”
“We are currently working on a strategic plan to decrease taxes and improve the services for our community,” Mayor Holland said. “We also are working with the school districts to increase educational opportunities within our community. We also need to take care of our employees in the UG government. We have done a lot over the last year.”
“A good example of this is the Dairy Farmers Association who is building brand new facilities in the western part of our community. In the downtown area we have a Healthy Cities campaign, where we will have a Healthy Campus located where the Big 11 Lake is. This is funded by both corporate and private donations.
“As of yet I have not spoken to former mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County Joe Reardon regarding mass transit in our community but I plan to in the near future. Mayor Sly James of Kansas City, Mo., and I are working together with other mayors in the surrounding communities to increase jobs within the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area,” Mayor Holland said.
The mayor also praised the county’s history of inclusiveness and opportunity.
“Our strength lies in our residents, and the possibilities that are created here are a result of our diversity and tenacity,” Mayor Holland said. “The business community is realizing it and bringing their jobs here. The rest of metro has been watching our success in awe, but those of us who know Wyandotte County can tell you that the next big thing has been here all along.”
At the end of his speech Mayor Holland received a standing ovation for what he and the UG Commission have done for the community.
To watch the mayor’s speech on the UG’s website online, visit http://www.wycokck.org/InternetDept.aspx?id=18788&banner=15284&menu_id=1366.
