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Emmet Pierson Jr. Named Person of the Year for East Kansas City Impact

The revitalization efforts in East Kansas City bring the community together, fostering hope and better food access.

News Summary

Emmet Pierson Jr., president and CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City, has been recognized as Person of the Year for his significant contributions in addressing food deserts and public safety issues in East Kansas City. By spearheading initiatives and partnering with local leaders, Pierson has worked tirelessly to combat urban disinvestment and promote economic development. His advocacy has led to increased funding for local businesses and substantial investments in community infrastructure, enhancing safety and opportunities for residents in the area.

Emmet Pierson Jr. Recognized as Person of the Year for His Impact in East Kansas City

East Kansas City has a new hero, and his name is Emmet Pierson Jr., the remarkable president and CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC). This dedicated advocate has recently been recognized as the *Person of the Year* for his tireless efforts in combating food deserts and promoting economic development in the region.

Addressing Safety and Food Access Concerns

Pierson has been vocal about the pressing issues of public safety and the particular issues surrounding the notorious food deserts in the area, especially around the intersection of 31st and Prospect. He has shed light on the struggles of the local SunFresh grocery store, which has battled *rampant theft*, *lack of safety*, and overwhelming operational losses. In fact, CBKC had to make a substantial *$1.3 million cash investment* just to keep the store open.

Instead of letting the grocery store face closure unnoticed, Pierson has spearheaded a public campaign, shining a spotlight on the broader challenges of urban disinvestment. While doing so, he has teamed up with important figures, including the Kansas City Mayor and Police Chief, to tackle these problems head-on.

Community-Wide Challenges

The hurdles faced by this community are multifaceted. They include *prostitution*, *drug use*, *mental illness*, and *homelessness*, along with poor maintenance of local shopping areas that have contributed to the area’s decline. However, Pierson’s tireless advocacy has led to impressive commitments, including establishing a *24-hour police presence* in the area to enhance safety and proposing *$750,000* in funding from the city to support the operations of the store.

CBKC’s Positive Impact

Under Pierson’s strong leadership, CBKC operates another SunFresh store on MLK Blvd, which was also facing the risk of closure. CBKC is currently reimagining a significant development project along the same boulevard, with plans to invest between *$80 to $100 million*. This vision aims to turn around the economic outlook for East Kansas City.

In 2023, the organization completed The Rochester, a beautifully developed *$12 million market-rate apartment complex* that earned the *Capstone Award* from the Kansas City Business Journal. Such achievements have contributed to CBKC becoming the largest urban core developer in Kansas City, channeling hundreds of millions into revitalizing the area.

Empowering Local Businesses

In a bid to promote equity, CBKC maintains that a minimum of *25% participation rate for minority contractors* be met on all their projects. This initiative fosters local, Black-owned businesses and strengthens community ties.

Currently, CBKC manages over *800 apartment units*, ensuring affordable housing in a city where costs are on the rise. Furthermore, the two grocery stores operated by CBKC serve as essential lifelines, preventing the emergence of food deserts in underserved neighborhoods.

A Call for Equitable Investment

Having witnessed the fruits of their labor, Pierson is not resting on his laurels. He is advocating for city leaders to match the *$43 million infrastructure investment* made in the West Bottoms with similar funds in the East Side. This is an effort to ensure that *community development* is more than just about constructing buildings; it’s about creating *real opportunities* and stimulating *job growth* for residents.

Recognizing His Bold Leadership

Emmet Pierson Jr.’s remarkable work with CBKC has emphasized the importance of bringing equitable development to light. His relentless pursuit of discussions about increased investment in East Kansas City illustrates how one person’s leadership can inspire change. For those living in the area, it’s clear that Pierson is more than a person of the year; he is a beacon of hope and an embodiment of what communities need to thrive.