The Power of Connection: How Strong Relationships Build Strong Communities
- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
There are weeks when you leave your calendar feeling accomplished. Then there are weeks when you leave feeling grateful.
This was one of those weeks.
As I looked back over the conversations, meetings, and visits across District 1, one word kept coming to mind: family.
Not just the family we’re born into, but the family we build through service. Our church family. Our neighborhood family. Our District 1 family.
Everywhere I went this week—from a youth gathering at church to conversations about redevelopment and transportation—I was reminded that communities don’t become stronger simply because new buildings go up. They become stronger because relationships grow deeper.
That has always been the heart of “We Not Me.”
This Week in District 1
This week was filled with opportunities to connect people with possibility.
One of the highlights was welcoming residents and visitors to the Economic Independence Academy Workshop alongside our partners at the Jegna Klub. Watching families learn about financial opportunity, entrepreneurship, and building wealth reminded me that education doesn’t stop when school lets out. Some of life’s most valuable lessons happen when communities come together to learn from one another.
I also participated in the OGNA Redevelopment Plan meeting, where neighbors, stakeholders, and community leaders continued discussing the future of our historic neighborhoods. Redevelopment is about far more than construction. It’s about preserving the character of our community while creating opportunities for future generations.
Another memorable stop was spending time with the young people during Vacation Bible School at Strangers Rest Baptist Church.
Our youth asked thoughtful questions, shared their dreams, and reminded me why investing in young people remains one of the greatest responsibilities we have as adults. They aren’t simply listening to what we say—they’re watching how we live and serve.
This week also gave me the opportunity to spend quality time with my Uncle Bob Primer. Family moments like these remind us to slow down and appreciate the people who helped shape us. Leadership begins with gratitude.
I was honored to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Union Press Screen Printing, another example of entrepreneurship creating jobs and opportunity right here in our community. Every locally owned business represents someone’s dream becoming reality.
Finally, I met with Ms. Deasiray Bush, Director of the Unified Government Department of Transportation, to discuss expanding transportation opportunities for District 1 residents. Reliable transportation isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s about connecting people to employment, education, healthcare, and opportunity.
Community Voices
One thing remains consistent every time I visit with residents.
People want opportunity.
They want safer neighborhoods, cleaner streets, stronger infrastructure, and more activities for our young people. They want to know redevelopment is moving forward. They want better communication and easier access to community resources.
Most importantly, they want economic growth that benefits everyone—not just a select few.
Those conversations continue shaping the work we do every day.
Youth Spotlight
One conversation from this week has stayed with me.
During Vacation Bible School at Strangers Rest Baptist Church, I looked across a room filled with young faces full of curiosity and potential.
Our children deserve more than promises.
They deserve opportunities.
Whether through mentorship, workforce development, financial education, athletics, church programs, internships, or community organizations, every positive experience helps prepare another future leader.
To every young person reading this:
Never underestimate your potential.
Your ideas matter.
Your voice matters.
Your future matters.
Keep learning, stay curious, and remember your community is counting on you.
Community Spotlight
This week’s Community Spotlight recognizes Deasiray Bush, Director of the Unified Government Department of Transportation.
Transportation often goes unnoticed until someone doesn’t have access to it.
Services like RideKC IRIS are helping connect residents throughout Northeast Wyandotte County to jobs, schools, medical appointments, grocery stores, and regional transit connections.
Transportation is economic development.
When we remove barriers to mobility, we open doors to employment, education, healthcare, and greater independence.
Thank you to Director Bush and the transportation team for helping expand opportunity throughout our community.
📊 This Week’s Economic Snapshot
Industry Spotlight: Technology
Technology is no longer a separate industry—it powers nearly every industry.
From healthcare and manufacturing to education, logistics, and small business, technology creates opportunity everywhere.
Estimated Local Market Size
Approximately $350–450 million annually
Annual Consumer Spending
Approximately $400 million
Estimated Dollars Leaving Wyandotte County
Approximately $240–280 million (60–70%)
Local Businesses Serving This Industry
Technology consultants, managed IT providers, software developers, computer repair businesses, cybersecurity firms, digital marketing agencies, startup entrepreneurs, and coding educators.
Potential Jobs Supported
An estimated 500–1,000 additional local jobs could be supported if more technology spending remained within Wyandotte County.
Commissioner Howard’s We Not Me Challenge
Before hiring outside the county for your next technology need, take a few minutes to look for a local solution first.
Whether you need website design, computer repair, cybersecurity assistance, software development, or digital marketing, supporting local businesses helps keep opportunity circulating right here at home.
Imagine what retaining just 10 to 20 percent more of this spending could mean for our community.
More entrepreneurs.
More family-supporting careers.
More innovation.
More opportunity for our young people to build successful futures without leaving home.
Looking Ahead
I’m excited for another week filled with conversations that become action.
Every meeting creates another opportunity to strengthen partnerships.
Every new relationship creates another opportunity for collaboration.
Every conversation moves District 1 one step closer to becoming the community we all know it can be.
The momentum we’re seeing isn’t happening by accident.
It’s happening because residents, churches, nonprofits, businesses, schools, and community leaders continue choosing to work together.
The We Not Me Reflection
This week reminded me that the strongest investments we can ever make are investments in people.
Buildings matter.
Roads matter.
Infrastructure matters.
But none of those things reach their full potential without relationships.
Communities become stronger when neighbors know one another.
Trust grows when leaders consistently show up.
Opportunity expands when organizations work together instead of apart.
That’s what “We Not Me” has always represented.
Not one person doing everything.
But everyone doing something.
When we invest in people, strengthen partnerships, and continue believing in one another, we’re creating opportunities that benefit not just one family, but an entire community.
And that’s the kind of future worth building.
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you.
What opportunities do you see for District 1?
What local business deserves recognition?
What neighborhood success story should we highlight next?
Your voice matters because this community belongs to all of us.
Let’s continue building District 1 together—one conversation, one partnership, and one opportunity at a time.
Next Week’s Conversation
Development, Growth & Preserving Neighborhood Identity
How do we embrace new investment while protecting the character, history, and people that make District 1 home? Join me next week as we explore how thoughtful growth can strengthen our neighborhoods without losing what makes them unique.
Leadership isn’t about me.
It’s about WE.
— Commissioner Jermaine Howard
District 1
STAY CONNECTED
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