Who We Are

We Are UNI

Our Priorities: Engage, Encourage, Elevate, and Educate

The Urban Neighborhood Initiative is a community development corporation that serves residents in the urban core of Kansas City. We believe in strengthening communities through building quality mixed-income housing, serving as a connection to resources, presenting STEAM-based educational experiences for youth, and providing space for community organizations to meet and connect.

Our History

Community Milestones

UNI evolved as one of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s “Big 5” initiatives and from work of United Way of Greater Kansas City, becoming an independent 501c3 in 2012 and established as a Community Development Corporation (CDC) in 2016.

2012

UNI Founded

The Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI) evolved as one of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s “Big 5” initiatives and from work of United Way of Greater Kansas City, becoming an independent 501c3

2013-2015

Expansion

UNI Expanded

UNI organization expansion to include: community engagement and resource fairs, and neighborhood block parties

2016

Joins Network

Network

UNI joins Purpose Built network

2018

Programmatic expansion

Housing

Programmatic expansion into housing and real estate development

2019

Programmatic expansion

Home Repair

Programmatic expansion minor home repair

2020

COVID-19

Response Programs

COVID-19 response programs

2021

Dianne Cleaver Retires

Dianne Cleaver retires as President/CEO. Jamee Rodgers named new President/CEO

2022

10 Year Celebration

10 year celebration first annual Recess! gala

Our Network

In 2016, Urban Neighborhood Initiative joined the Purpose Built Communities network after learning about the successful and proven model of East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia. Its framework for holistic community revitalization is based on a series of pillars, including a cradle-to-college-to-career education pipeline, a mixed-income housing strategy, and community wellness through a robust network of community and support services.