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Seg. 1: Local and Regional Issues in Lee's Summit & Olathe. Seg. 2: Supported Decision-Making.

Luke X. Martin
/
KCUR 89.3
Both Karin Brownlee, left, and Bob Johnson have previously served in their respective state legislatures. Johnson now serves as District 4 councilman in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Brownlee is an at-large member of the City Council of Olathe, Kansas.

Segment 1: Municipal leaders discuss the local issues their communities are grappling with, and the current events in Kansas City they're keeping an eye on.

In metro regions like Kansas City, suburban communities often find themselves dealing with the same issues at the same time as their neighbors. Today, we'll get perspectives on how two area municipalities are approaching issues like tax abatements and land use, and why they are monitoring airport and crime developments in Kansas City, Missouri.

Segment 2, beginning at 26:06: How the developmentally disabled can be empowered with more authority over critical life decisions.

Guardianships are frequently used to help make financial, legal, or medical decisions for the developmentally disabled, but there are ways to get the individual in question more involved in the process. We learned about some of the hurdles that keep disabled people from being more empowered, and the benefits that come from having them more engaged.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As culture editor, I help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.