Dear resident:

Thank you for reading my monthly e-newsletter. I'm pleased to share the latest updates on how the City is working for you.

Sprint Center gets set to open in October
The Sprint Center is set to open Oct. 10, with international performing artist Elton John appearing at the grand opening concert Oct. 13. The new Sprint Center will host concerts, family shows, collegiate competitions and special events. Nearly one million guests are expected to visit the $276 million state-of-the-art facility during its inaugural year. With more than 10,000 parking spaces, visitors can easily enjoy downtown's entertainment and restaurants. More

3-1-1 Action Center extends its hours
The 3-1-1 Action Center is expanding its hours, and will be open Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accept calls. Extending 3-1-1 Action Center operation hours gives residents even greater access to the City and minimizes the need to leave voice messages or be routed to another extension. The Action Center is open:
            Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
            Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Action Center is your central point of contact for City services. If you have a questions about the City, call the Action Center at 311 or (816) 513-1313, or make a Request for Service online.

Youth Beat magazine offers advice, activities
The fall 2007 edition of the Youth Beat magazine contains study tips, back-to-school advice, student athlete profiles, events for youth ages 12-23 and more. The magazine provides a resource for youth in the area about activities and more. Read the magazine or find out more about the Youth Advocacy Office.

KC Dream Home program accepts applications
First-time homebuyers can apply for the KC Dream Home program, which assists low- to moderate income and displayed homemakers to purchase homes in designated areas of the city. The program provides home ownership to people who may otherwise lack the resources to own their homes. The program:

• Provides a forgivable loan of up to 20 percent of the sales price of a home; maximum loan of $20,000
• No payments required on forgivable loan - 10 percent forgiven each year for 10 years
• Be a first time buyer or equivalent
• Homes must sell for less than $150,000
• Homes must be within target areas
• Household must meet income guidelines.

More about the KC Dream Home program.

Regional police training facility opens
Construction is complete on the new Regional Police Training Academy at Pleasant Valley Road and North Shoal Creek Parkway. The 100,000-square-foot building has a 500-seat auditorium, administrative offices and six classrooms. Training facilities include a gymnasium, weight room, fitness room and facilities for lockers and showers. The facility also houses the Shoal Creek Patrol Division station. More

Tow Services Division extends hours
To help make it more convenient for people to retrieve their cars, the Tow Services Division has extended its hours to include Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tow lot also is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 6817 Stadium Drive. The Tow Services Division stores vehicles impounded by the Police Department, coordinates the towing of abandoned vehicles and conducts vehicle auctions. More

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.