RESOLUTION NO. 260249

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Sponsor: Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw

RESOLUTION - Directing the City Manager to conduct certain actions in support of the homeless community within 30 days; directing the City Manager to estimate costs and develop a funding plan if necessary; and directing the City Manager to engage relevant stakeholders in carrying out the above actions.

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WHEREAS, Kansas City has been designated as a Host City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; and

WHEREAS, the World Cup presents an opportunity for Kansas City to show that it is a welcoming city for global visitors as well as its most vulnerable residents; and

WHEREAS, the City can efficiently connect individuals in need with vital resources by streamlining coordination with civic organizations and community partners that are already providing important services or employment opportunities in anticipation of the World Cup; and

WHEREAS, by working with community partners serving the homeless community, the City can assist individuals in need beyond the World Cup and provide a long term path to stability; and

WHEREAS, the City seeks to demonstrate its commitment to collaboration, compassion, and practical solutions so that individuals experiencing homelessness are not left behind during this historic moment; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

Section 1. That the City Manager is directed to develop a plan to conduct the following actions within 30 days of the adoption of this resolution:

1)                     Increase shelter capacity for individuals and families;

2)                     Expand homeless outreach teams to connect individuals with housing, healthcare, supportive services, and employment opportunities;

3)                     Support workforce development partnerships to enable individuals experiencing homelessness to participate in employment opportunities related to the World Cup; and,

4)                     Provide specialized training for law enforcement and security personnel focused on de-escalation and service connection of the unhoused.

Section 2. That the City Manager is directed to estimate costs and develop a funding plan in support of the actions listed in section 1 of this resolution if the City Manager determines such a plan is necessary and to present said funding plan to Council within 30 days of the adoption of this resolution.

Section 3. That the City Manager is directed to engage relevant city departments, the Hotel and Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, community partners, service providers, and faith-based organizations to identify matching funds, operational support, and program leadership in support of the actions in sections 1 and 2 of this resolution.

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