KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Country Club Plaza is launching a new long-term effort aimed at strengthening communities across Kansas City through investments in youth development, public safety, housing, workforce training and the arts.
The initiative, called the Plaza Promise, was announced Tuesday as a multi-year commitment by the Plaza and its ownership group, Gillon Property Group.
The program focuses on six key areas designed to create lasting community impact while supporting future generations of Kansas Citians:
- Youth development
- Partnering with ProX to provide internship opportunities for Kansas City high school students beginning in summer 2027.
- Contributing $22,500 in sponsorship funding over three years.
- Serving as a work-based learning partner through the Real World Learning Initiative.
- Arts education and engagement
- Supporting youth summer programs at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
- Partnering with ArtsTech by providing supplies, employing students for art installations and dedicating a Plaza Art Fair booth to showcase and sell student artwork.
- Strengthening connections with local arts institutions through the Plaza’s “Arterie” initiative.
- Public safety
- Investing $10,000 in the Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Program, with at least $30,000 in funding planned over three years.
- Continuing its partnership with the Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault (MOCSA).
- Supporting education and prevention efforts, including SAFE Training for Plaza businesses ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Housing equity
- Contributing $5,000 per unit from future residential developments, which could total more than $4 million over the project’s full buildout.
- Providing $10,000 in seed funding to the AFL-CIO’s Headed Home down payment assistance program.
- Making future contributions of $250 per residential unit, potentially totaling up to $50,000 per residential project.
- Workforce development
- Participating in the Missouri Works Apprenticeship Program to help train and develop local workers.
- Kansas City pride
- Launching a new annual 816 Day celebration each August.
“We’re here for the long-term and are committed to ensuring the Country Club Plaza positively impacts Kansas City,” said Chris Harren, senior vice president of development at Gillon Property Group…