Kansas City (Mo.) mayors Sly James (2011-19) and Quinton Lucas (2019-present) were guest speakers on consecutive days last week at the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Intercity Visit to Kansas City.
While in office, James led voter approval for the construction of a new airport terminal and passage of an $800 million infrastructure package. As mayor, Lucas created the city’s first Housing Trust Fund and spearheaded preparations for K.C.’s to host six FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.
The following are snippets from their commentary:
Lucas on regionalism: “You need to think about your community like your constituents do...In our cities, you can get locked into this view of your own power or importance. Long-term, it’s not about you; it’s about your people.”
James on residents donning K.C. apparel to show civic pride: “It didn’t used to be like that. They wear it now because they believe in this city and they are proud of it and they don’t mind showing it off. If you go to New York, you’re not going to see that many people wearing New York stuff. You will. But you can point them out because they are all tourists.” 
Lucas on following through on project plans: “We’re not impatient enough. You have to have that urgency. We have to deliver faster. That’s what keeps the public on board, too.”
James on involving the private sector in municipal progress: “Administrations change. Priorities change. Money gets shifted.
“If you want something big to last, you have to involve the business community in order to sustain it. They are the watchdog.”
Lucas on attracting talent: “We just need to figure out the ways that people will come together. That’s why we invest in things like sports, convention centers, parks, residential. That’s where our future will be.”
James on valuing collaboration: “People want to understand and have others understand that they are valuable and what they do is important. When you allow them to take a bow for the work they have done as opposed to a politician standing up and acting like it’s all you, they appreciate that. And when they appreciate that, they work harder. And when they work harder, the results are better.”
This article covered programming from the Tulsa Regional Chamber Intercity Visit to Kansas City, Mo. Each fall, the Chamber leads a three-day Intercity Visit during which leaders gain peer insights on best practices, potential opportunities and navigated challenges. Topics often include development, infrastructure and workforce.
