The Central City Economic Development Sales Tax (CCED), in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC), today announced the release of Round 8 of the Central City Economic Development (CCED) Neighborhood Preservation Request for Proposals (RFP).
Round 8 invites nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, developers, and qualified applicants to submit proposals that advance economic development within Kansas City’s Central City District, bounded by 9th Street to the north, Gregory Boulevard to the south, Indiana Avenue to the east, and Paseo Boulevard to the west.
Approved by voters in 2017, the 1/8-cent sales tax created a dedicated funding source to stimulate redevelopment, expand employment opportunities, and support neighborhood sustainability in historically underserved communities
Strategic Priorities for Round 8
This funding cycle aligns with Goals 3 and 5 of the CCED Strategic Plan 2020–2027, which prioritize:
- Creation and expansion of employment opportunities
- Growth and sustainability of small and minority-owned businesses
All proposals that align with the CCED Strategic Goals will be considered; however, priority will be given to projects that demonstrate strong job creation outcomes, established workforce development partnerships, and meaningful participation by minority-owned businesses.
“The Central City Sales Tax was created to generate real economic opportunity,” said Sherise Kirkwood, CCED Program Administrator. “Round 8 continues that mission by prioritizing projects that create jobs, strengthen local businesses, and invest in long-term neighborhood vitality.”
Eligible Activities
Projects submitted under Round 8 must align with CCED’s strategic goals and may include:
- Blight Elimination: Removal of substandard structures and redevelopment of vacant properties
- Affordable Housing: Acquisition, rehabilitation, and new residential construction
- Community Facilities: Rehabilitation of facilities benefiting Central City residents
- Commercial and Industrial Rehabilitation: Projects that support business growth and economic vitality
To be eligible for funding, projects should be “shovel ready,” meaning CCED funding serves as the final gap financing necessary to begin construction.
Pre-Proposal Workshops Scheduled
To support prospective applicants, CCED will host two in-person pre-proposal workshops during this RFP cycle:
- March 10, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Southeast Community Center
4201 E. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64130 - March 18, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Gregg/Klice Community Center
1600 E. 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108
Registration is required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend to review RFP requirements and participate in a question-and-answer session with staff.
Application Deadline and Requirements
Proposals must be submitted online by Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM (CST).
All submissions must meet eligibility and documentation requirements outlined in the RFP. Public project presentations for qualified applications will be scheduled within two weeks following the application deadline
Continuing a Voter-Mandated Investment
Since its approval, the Central City Economic Development Sales Tax has provided a dedicated source of funding to address blight, expand housing opportunities, support business growth, and increase employment access in the district. The Strategic Plan emphasizes sustainable neighborhoods, shared prosperity, and organizational capacity to ensure long-term impact
Round 8 represents another step toward strengthening the district’s economic foundation while advancing equitable development outcomes for residents and businesses.
Learn More
The full Round 8 RFP, workshop registration details, eligibility requirements, and additional information about the Central City Economic Development (CCED) Sales Tax District can be found at the CCED page.