From Vacant Spaces to Vibrant Places
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Reimagining the Future of District 1
Transformation Begins with Vision
Sometimes progress requires us to slow down.
Not to stop moving—but to look back.
This week reminded me that every step forward is built on the lessons behind us. The word that kept coming to mind all week was rewind.
As leaders, we’re often focused on what’s next: the next meeting, the next project, the next challenge. But every now and then, it’s important to pause and ask ourselves a simple question:
“How far have we come?”
That reflection followed me throughout the week—from conversations with residents here in District 1 to standing inside a place hundreds of miles away that completely changed the way I see possibility.
It reminded me that communities aren’t transformed overnight.
They’re transformed when ordinary people decide to believe extraordinary things are possible.
This Week in District 1
One of the highlights of the week was reflecting on a recent visit my team and I made to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where we attended the grand opening of Black Tech Street.
Walking through what was once an elementary school was an unforgettable experience.
Most people would have seen an aging building.
Someone else saw the future.
Today, that same building is becoming a center for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.
That experience challenged me in the best possible way.
It reminded me that vacant buildings don’t define a neighborhood.
Empty lots don’t define a neighborhood.
People do.
Vision does.
Leadership does.
When vision meets commitment, transformation becomes possible.
That same spirit is exactly what I want for District 1.
This week also brought opportunities to strengthen relationships that extend well beyond our county lines. My team met with Mayor Christal Watson and International Liaison Karen Robinson to begin building stronger connections between Cambodia and Wyandotte County. Conversations like these open doors for future cultural exchanges, educational opportunities, and economic partnerships that can benefit our entire community.
Back home, I was honored to attend the She Builds event, led by Karen Robinson and Judge Kim McTroy. The event focused on healing, restoration, and hope—three things every thriving community needs.
Every ribbon cutting.
Every partnership.
Every new conversation.
They’re all pieces of something much bigger.
Community Voices
One thing I appreciate about District 1 is that our residents aren’t afraid to speak honestly.
This week, more than 60 community members gathered at John’s Java & Jazz to discuss economic development, entrepreneurship, and business growth.
Those conversations matter.
Some ideas challenged us.
Others inspired us.
All of them moved us forward.
Leadership isn’t about having every answer.
It’s about creating spaces where people feel comfortable asking the important questions.
Growth begins with conversation.
And conversation begins with listening.
Youth Spotlight
People often ask me why representation matters.
My answer is simple.
Because representation changes what young people believe is possible.
When a young person sees someone who looks like them leading a meeting, opening a business, creating technology, serving as a judge, becoming an engineer, or helping shape public policy, something powerful happens.
Their imagination expands.
They stop asking, “Can someone like me do that?”
And they begin saying,
“Maybe I can.”
Growing up, I was fortunate to watch neighbors serve one another without expecting recognition. Coaches poured into young people because they cared—not because anyone was watching.
But I also wish I had seen more innovation.
More entrepreneurs.
More technology.
More civic leadership.
Today’s young people deserve to see every pathway available to them.
Whether your future is in artificial intelligence, healthcare, engineering, construction, skilled trades, agriculture, education, business ownership, or public service, know this:
Your future is never limited by your zip code.
Your voice belongs in every room where decisions about your future are being made.
Show up.
Ask questions.
Volunteer.
Stay involved.
Because change has always started with ordinary people deciding to participate.
Community Spotlight
This week’s Community Spotlight belongs to John’s Java & Jazz.
More than a coffee shop, it has become a gathering place where neighbors connect, entrepreneurs exchange ideas, and meaningful conversations happen.
Communities need spaces like this.
Places where relationships are built before business is conducted.
Places where people from different backgrounds can sit together and imagine a better future.
I also want to recognize every volunteer, mentor, coach, nonprofit leader, business owner, church member, educator, and resident who quietly invests time into making District 1 stronger.
Your work often happens without headlines.
But it never goes unnoticed.
Looking Ahead
I’m excited about what lies ahead because the conversations are beginning to turn into action.
Food access continues to be one of my highest priorities.
Too many families in Northeast Wyandotte County still live in areas where healthy grocery options remain limited.
That’s a challenge we cannot ignore.
We’re continuing conversations about expanding farmers markets, attracting grocery investments, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating community-driven solutions that improve quality of life.
I’m also looking forward to continuing partnerships centered around technology, innovation, urban agriculture, workforce development, and economic opportunity.
District 1 deserves access to every opportunity available.
And I believe we’re moving in the right direction.
The WE NOT ME Reflection
Standing inside that former elementary school in Tulsa reminded me of something I’ll never forget.
Buildings don’t change communities.
People do.
Someone chose to look at an abandoned space and imagine innovation.
Someone believed children deserved to grow up seeing technology instead of neglect.
Someone chose vision over excuses.
That challenged me.
Because every vacant building in District 1 has potential.
Every overlooked block has potential.
Every young person has potential.
Every family has potential.
Transformation always begins long before construction starts.
It begins when someone chooses to believe something better is possible.
That’s the responsibility I carry every day.
Not to build the future alone.
But to help create the conditions where all of us can build it together.
Because the future of District 1 won’t be written by one commissioner.
It will be written by neighbors helping neighbors.
Businesses investing in neighborhoods.
Young people finding their voice.
Community organizations opening doors.
Families refusing to give up.
That’s what “We Not Me” has always meant.
And that’s why I believe our best days are still ahead.
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you.
What opportunity do you see in District 1 that others might overlook?
What ideas do you have for improving our neighborhoods?
What challenges should we tackle together?
Join us at upcoming community meetings.
Support local businesses.
Volunteer.
Mentor a young person.
Introduce yourself to a neighbor.
Because every conversation matters.
Every voice matters.
And every person has a role to play in building the future of District 1.
Leadership isn’t about me.
It’s about WE.
— Commissioner Jermaine Howard
District 1
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