Kansas City Communities Encourage Neighborhood Bonding by Reimbursing Block Party Expenses

NORTH KANSAS CITY, MO

In an effort to bring neighbors closer together, various Kansas City-area communities have put forth an incredible inducement – they are offering to reimburse expenses associated with hosting neighborhood block parties. North Kansas City residents, for instance, can apply for a grant that reimburses up to $400 in eligible expenses for their community gatherings.

Planning Ahead for the Block Party

However, community members interested in hosting these block parties should plan well in advance. According to the officials of North Kansas City, the process of permit approval can take up to three weeks. An in-depth site map and plan of the proposed party area is also required for the application to be approved. In addition, the city mandates that every resident of the block is invited to the party. To maintain diversity in hosting, each neighborhood can only receive one Block Party Grant annually.

Expenses Covered by the Grant:

• Food
• Paper goods
• Entertainment/performers/li>

Expenses Not Covered by the Grant:

• Alcohol
• Tent rental
• Stages and/or risers

In order to submit a reimbursement request, the block party host must provide a detailed reimbursement form and organized itemized receipts for the block party.

Other Cities Joining the Bandwagon

This unique idea of reimbursing block party expenses is not just limited to North Kansas City. Several suburbs on the Kansas side of the metropolitan area also offer this reimbursement program.

ROELAND PARK

Residents of Roeland Park may receive up to $100 reimbursement upon obtaining approval to host a block party. Like North Kansas City, an application for temporary street closure is required here as well.

MISSION

The city of Mission goes even further, offering to cover up to $500 of block party expenses. The city believes that such community gatherings help build stronger communities.

MERRIAM

In a similar manner, Merriam also offers a block party reimbursement program. According to the city’s guidelines:

Eligible expenses include:

• Food
• Paper goods
• Door prizes
• Entertainment/performers

Ineligible expenses include:

• Alcohol
• Play equipment
• Gift cards
• Tent rental/li>
• Stages and/or risers

However, while the Unified Government does not offer block party reimbursement for entertainment, supplies, and other expenses, it does offer a partial refund of the application fee if 75% of neighbors agree to close a street for a block party.

It seems like block parties are about to be the rage this season in Kansas City, as this incentivizing initiative motivates communities to come together and bond over good food and company.