kansas city, Missouri
Biophilic Cities Partner City Since 2023
Kansas City has a rich history of developing with nature in mind. In the early 20th century, George Kessler established the Parks & Boulevard system. This system is still intact and has shaped the fabric of Kansas City throughout generations. With 221 parks and over 12,000 acres of parkland, Kansas City continues to dedicate itself to being a city that prioritizes its parks, open space, and natural resources. In recent years, Kansas City has focused work on expanding natural systems, increasing native plantings, and improving access to nature. Below is a list of projects and policies that are shaping Kansas City into a city that interacts more closely with nature and creates resiliency for future generations of Kansas Citians.
City Contact: Stephanie Dresen, Natural Systems Coordinator, Office of Environmental Quality
local spotlights
In October 2023, Kansas City was awarded $12 million from the USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program to implement tree planting and maintenance, restoration and resilience, planning and community engagement, and extreme heat mitigation and adaptation.
In May 2023, Kansas City achieved LEED Gold certification in the LEED for Cities rating system. “Kansas City continues to advocate for implementing climate conscious policy to become much more responsible stewards for our planet.” said Mayor Quinton Lucas.
In March 2023, Kansas City passed a Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance to preserve and advance the aesthetic, economic, and environmental benefits of the urban forest by protecting trees and mitigating any unnecessary removal of trees.
For the first time in Kansas City, tree planting will occur with city-funded support. In 2023, the Kansas City Council approved a $1 million budget to add 10,000 trees to the city’s canopy over the next three years and part of the Canopy Cover KC initiative.
In 2023, Kansas City launched its first, free, Public Composting Pilot Program. There are currently four locations throughout the city where citizens can drop-off their food waste for composting. With recent funds awarded by the USDA, Kansas City will soon expand this program to include ten permanent drop-off kiosks throughout the city.
In 2022, Kansas City passed the Climate Protection & Resiliency Plan to replace the 2008 Climate Protection Plan. This plan includes ambitions to reach carbon neutrality through multimodal transportation investments, cleaner energy supply, expanded natural systems, reductions in food waste, improved food systems, improved waste management including reducing impact by reusing resources, and creating healthy homes and buildings. The first Climate Protection Plan called for a 30% reduction in emissions, which Kansas City successfully surpassed with a 40% reduction from 2000 measures.
In October 2021, Kansas City passed Resolution 210967 declaring a climate and ecological emergency and directing the city to examine ways to prioritize support and funding for projects and initiatives based on their ability to enhance the health and well-being of residents.
KC Water Smart Sewer: Through work done by KC Water, Kansas City has expanded green infrastructure storm water management systems to include over 700 green infrastructure sites that help our community manage stormwater the way nature intended.
Kansas City Parks and Recreation Sustainability Plan: In 2019, Kansas City Parks and Recreation worked with the Kansas City Native Plant Initiative (KCNPI) to provide recommendations to improve parks’ environmental sustainability and natural resources management.
In May of 2020, Kansas City adopted the Urban Forest Master Plan for the purpose of promoting, preserving, and creating a sustainable urban forest for the benefit of all residents and directed the City Manager to identify a funding strategy for plan implementation.
In early 2023, the Heartland Conservation Alliance in partnership with the Kansas City Office of Environmental Quality and their partners published the Blue River Greenway Story Map to share the vision for a connected corridor, restoration, and resilience.