{"id":286292,"date":"2026-05-11T10:00:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/?p=286292"},"modified":"2026-04-28T10:03:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T14:03:03","slug":"from-vacancy-to-vitality-rebuilding-kansas-city-neighborhoods-into-economically-vibrant-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncrc.org\/from-vacancy-to-vitality-rebuilding-kansas-city-neighborhoods-into-economically-vibrant-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"From Vacancy to Vitality: Rebuilding Kansas City Neighborhoods into Economically Vibrant Communities"},"content":{"rendered":"

National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) member Community Builders of Kansas City does more than build houses \u2013 they build ecosystems where housing, jobs and community spaces work together to create more self-sustaining neighborhoods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since 1991, the nonprofit has created over 600 affordable residential housing units and 500,000 square feet of commercial space that provide employment opportunities and services essential to a good quality of life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re different from many community development corporations because we don\u2019t just focus on housing\u2026 we focus on catalytic transformation development,\u201d says Community Builders\u2019 President and CEO Emmet Pierson. \u201cWe\u2019re known for brick-and-mortar projects, but that\u2019s just one piece of the ecosystem we\u2019re building.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning Disinvestment into Development<\/b><\/h3>\n

Community Builders<\/span><\/a> concentrates its work on Kansas City\u2019s east side \u2013 a predominantly African American and historically under-resourced area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDisinvestments run abound,\u201d Pierson explains. \u201cBanks are not falling over themselves to invest here \u2013 we have to force the issue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet, the nonprofit is turning challenge into opportunity with a recently-constructed 60,000-square-foot office building \u2013 the new headquarters for the Health Forward Foundation, dedicated to creating healthier communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis billion-dollar foundation is here for the long haul \u2013 investing, growing and signaling hope and economic opportunity,\u201d Pierson says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The mixed-use site also includes multi-family housing, a health and fitness trail and a welcoming public plaza.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Cornerstone of Community Wealth-Building<\/b><\/h3>\n

Community Builders employs 1,100 people and contributes over $5 million in taxes to the local economy \u2013 helping stabilize a community often left on the margins. They view wealth-building through a holistic lens driven by reliable employment, access to benefits and long-term economic security.<\/span><\/p>\n

Across all of Community Builders\u2019 ventures, workers earn above a living wage and receive an equitably comprehensive benefit package.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have the same benefits as the grocery store clerk,\u201d Pierson says.<\/span><\/p>\n

The organization also supports other nonprofits and local developers, such as <\/span>MO Hives KC<\/span><\/a>, which transforms vacant urban lots into thriving bee farms that pollinate local food gardens and provide a wide range of experiential learning opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

“If I\u2019m not wealthy in my spirit \u2013 if I\u2019m at work worried that my kids don\u2019t have adequate healthcare \u2013 that stunts my productivity,\u201d Pierson explains. \u201cIf I\u2019m worried about bills or working two jobs to afford my house, am I on the path to wealth? Maybe, but I don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A Voice at the Table<\/b><\/h3>\n

As an NCRC member, Community Builders is given a platform to spotlight barriers facing communities and the practitioners on the frontlines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During a major local bank merger, NCRC invited Pierson to address the bank\u2019s senior leadership team on how they can better support under-resourced neighborhoods.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe helped the banking industry understand that investing in those areas they deem to be not as profitable as others is what it means to be good stewards of the community,\u201d Pierson explains. \u201cHaving the platform to say that is incredibly impactful. NCRC gave us a voice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nicole Rothstein is a Contributing Writer.<\/em><\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of Community Builders of Kansas City.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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