Ingram's November 2022

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B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S

Better still—or worse, depending on your perspective—the area is experiencing a “tornado drought,” Kansas having had only one strong tornado in the past three years. City planners are as keen on “density” as they are on “equity,” all the better to create “a thriving, equitable, and sustainable economy.” They believe that if more people live in smaller spaces and use public transportation to get where they are going, we will improve our “environmental health.” What we will not improve is our personal health, physical or mental. Nowhere in the “Environmental Health and Resiliency” section or any other section did I find a single reference to the phenomenon that deformed our lives for the past three years. This is a head-scratcher. How could any city planner create a multi-thousand word playbook in 2022 without mentioning “COVID?” Ours could, and did. New York City, which is as dense as cities get, emptied as a result of the pan-

demic. My neighbor’s son moved back in with his mother in KC. He was one of the hundreds of thousands to clear out. People are still avoiding the city subways, and not

boxed themselves in during COVIDmania. Some complexes barred housekeepers, handymen, and even friends of the residents. For the more sensitive, an elevator ride held as much terror as the Detonator at Worlds of Fun. Through Ingram’s , I have participated in scores of sessions with city planners. Almost to a person, they hoped to model Kansas City on their favorite equitable, sustainable, livable city—yes, Portland, Oregon. Here are some recent headlines from Portland: “More businesses announce they’re leaving downtown Portland;” “Portland Sees Surge in Violent Crime Over Last 3 Years;” “Rampant homeless population is driving residents out of North Portland.” Small idea: How about if we start the KC Spirit Playbook over with a section called “Pot holes”? The views expressed in this column, which is also published online in the Heartlander, are the writer’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those of Ingram’s Magazine. Jack Cashill , Senior Editor, Editorial @ Ingrams.com

just for fear of getting pushed onto the tracks—although that’s a consideration, too. Public transportation is, after all, “public.” Even in Kansas City, those who lived in condos or apartments regretted having Planners here have long looked to Portland, Ore., as a model for what we should be. A fair reading of recent headlines there suggests another strategy may be warranted.

You’re Invited Please join us to recognize the

2022 Philanthropist of the Year, Peggy and Terry Dunn, as well as our Corporate Champions and Local Heroes. WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 6, 11:30 am – 1:45 pm WHERE: Mission Hills Country Club 5400 Mission Dr., Mission Hills, KS 66208 Reserve your seat or table for 10 at this unique Awards Event: We have two options available: (both include free parking) • Individual Seats at the awards luncheon are $65 each • Corporate Table Sponsor for the event (10 seats) : $650 Includes recognition at the event, in the program and signage at event and your table

PHILANTHROPIST Year of the 2022

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