Through the CORE Initiative, city and county managers from the City of Kansas City, Mo., Jackson County, Mo., Johnson County, Kan. and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan. to collaborate on leadership on regional initiatives. The combined population of these jurisdictions represents approximately three-fourths of the metropolitan area.
The initiative manages an annual colloquium, where work sessions address topics, including leadership, regionalism, poverty, workforce, digital access, social determinants of health and welcoming communities. Members meet 3-4 times per year to discuss topics of mutual interest and share updates on projects and programs with regional impacts.
Projects have included the Regional Benchmarking Initiative, the Blue River Watershed and Leadership Exchange. CORE4 leadership contracts with the Mid-America Regional Council to provide dedicated staff support for project management and event logistics.