Bryan Stalder
Contributor

On Friday, October 10, the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District (CID) welcomed city, county, state, and federal representatives for an Elected & Appointed Officials Trolley Tour of Independence Avenue.

The three-hour event offered local leaders an inside look at development progress and investment opportunities along The Avenue — from community anchors like Kansas City University to revitalization projects such as Hardesty Lofts and Custom Truck One Source. Participants also had the chance to meet small business entrepreneurs driving growth in the International Marketplace district.

Hosted annually, the tour is designed to foster dialogue around both the challenges and opportunities that come with sustained corridor improvement. Chamber and CID leaders emphasize that while visible transformation can take time, maintaining engagement with public officials, business owners, and developers ensures that momentum continues as new faces enter office and new investors take interest in the area.

“Consistency is key,” said Bobbi Baker, President of the NEKC Chamber, “By keeping our elected officials connected to the Avenue year after year, we’re building understanding, awareness, and support for the long-term vision of this community.”

The tour concluded with a complimentary lunch from local International Marketplace restaurants — a fitting reminder of the neighborhood’s cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit.