Dear resident:
Thank you for subscribing to Insight, my monthly message. I enjoy sharing the latest news on how the City is working for you. Annual report highlights enhanced City services
In my 2006-2007 annual report to you, I am proud to feature reasons we are an All-America City. We’ve improved public safety by opening new and renovated fire stations and police facilities. We've enhanced neighborhoods with the Neighborhood Improvement Program and helped first-time home buyers through the Kansas City Dream Home Program. New key initiatives were developed and are successful in improving functions within City Hall. Increased economic investment and home ownership opportunities downtown have led to neighborhood revitalization that encourages community pride and involvement. Every day is exciting in Kansas City, and the annual report reflects the work we've done on behalf of this great city. City hires financial consultant on budget
Public Financial Management is working with the City Council, City staff and community leaders to develop a five-year, long-term financial plan. The plan should keep future budgets in structural balance so that one-time revenue sources do not pay for ongoing expenses. The development of the multi-year financial plan transcends the immediate fiscal issues, draws attention to strategic choices and the long-term impact of day-to-day decisions, and provides opportunities to adjust as specific economic funding issues warrant. This type of long-range planning also will benefit the city's business community so that they can plan their level of support for future City projects such as the starter light rail route and our combined sewer and water overflow project. PFM also serves as the City’s financial advisor for the Water Services Department. City awarded grant for justice and mental health program
An almost $200,000 grant from the U.S. Justice Department will help the City enhance and expand three existing Jackson County Mental Health Courts to serve an additional 120 individuals with mental disorders. The project's goal is to divert people with mental disorders away from the criminal justice system to help get the treatment they need and reduce financial burdens on the courts and jails. It's important that we work to develop an innovative and collaborative response for these individuals while also increasing public safety. City engages youth through volunteering, award-winning magazine
Keeping the city's youth engaged is essential to our city's future as we work to promote positive development in these young people. Recently, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation certified the Youth Advocacy Office to give the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize volunteers who give their time to make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers must submit a record of their hours to the Youth Advocacy Office for verification. View volunteer opportunities or register a service project with the office. Youth Beat, a magazine for young people ages 8-23, recently won an Award of Distinction from the 2008 Communicator Awards. Written by young people and produced by the City Communications Office three times a year, the magazine contains relevant information, events and more. Read the newest edition of Youth Beat, the fall fashion guide.
As always, I appreciate your feedback. Please feel free to e-mail questions and comments to my office at Insight@kcmo.org. Sincerely,
Wayne A. Cauthen
City manager
City of Kansas City, Mo. | 
