Choice Neighborhoods

Choice Neighborhoods Initiative

Transforming Communities Through Partnership, Investment, and Opportunity

The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative is a nationally recognized program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that supports the revitalization of neighborhoods through strategic investments in housing, people, and community development.

At its core, the initiative is designed to create stronger communities by improving housing opportunities, supporting residents and families, and investing in neighborhoods to foster long-term growth and sustainability.

Through collaboration with residents, community organizations, local governments, businesses, and private partners, Choice Neighborhoods helps communities create a shared vision for the future and bring that vision to life.

The Paseo Gateway Transformation

In 2015, the Housing Authority of Kansas City, in partnership with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, United Way of Greater Kansas City, and Brinshore Development, was awarded a $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to transform the historic Paseo Gateway area.

This investment launched a community-driven effort to reimagine the neighborhood, replace aging public housing, improve public spaces, and create new opportunities for residents and families.

Throughout the planning and redevelopment process, HAKC and its partners worked closely with community members to understand their priorities, concerns, and vision for the future.

Together, residents helped shape redevelopment efforts that would improve quality of life while preserving the character and history of the neighborhood.

A Community-Led Vision

One of the guiding principles of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative is ensuring that residents have a voice in the future of their community.

Through community meetings, engagement sessions, and collaborative planning efforts, neighborhood residents identified opportunities to improve public spaces, remove blighted properties, and create environments that promote safety, pride, and investment.

The result was a redevelopment strategy focused on creating a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community for current and future generations.

Housing

Affordable housing was a key component of the Paseo Gateway transformation. Through this initiative, HAKC and its development partners created multiple new housing communities that expanded affordable housing opportunities throughout Kansas City while providing residents with access to quality housing in thriving neighborhoods.

Key accomplishments included:

Replacement of obsolete public housing with modern mixed-income communities
Expansion of affordable housing opportunities throughout the metropolitan area
Development of housing options designed to meet a variety of family sizes and needs
Creation of housing communities with specialized amenities and services
Support for existing homeowners through exterior improvement and housing preservation initiatives

These developments provide families with access to quality housing while creating opportunities for long-term stability and success.

Neighborhood Revitalization

Beyond housing, the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative focused on strengthening the entire community.

Investments supported:

New public spaces and community amenities
Neighborhood beautification efforts
Removal of blighted properties
Business corridor improvements
Façade improvement assistance for local businesses
Community gathering spaces designed to foster connection and engagement

These improvements helped create a safer, more welcoming environment while encouraging continued investment throughout the area.

Investing in People

The success of any neighborhood begins with its people.

Through partnerships with local organizations, financial institutions, service providers, and community stakeholders, HAKC worked to connect residents with resources that support long-term success.

These efforts included access to:

Workforce development opportunities
Educational resources
Financial empowerment programs
Family support services
Community engagement initiatives
Resident-focused programs designed to promote self-sufficiency and stability

By investing in residents alongside housing and infrastructure, the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative created opportunities that extend far beyond bricks and mortar.

The Power of Partnership

The Paseo Gateway transformation would not have been possible without the collaboration of residents, community organizations, private partners, and public agencies.

HAKC is proud to have worked alongside organizations such as:

City of Kansas City, Missouri
United Way of Greater Kansas City
Brinshore Development
UMB Bank
Mattie Rhodes Center
Community stakeholders and neighborhood residents

Together, these partnerships helped create lasting change that continues to benefit the community today.

Looking Forward

The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative demonstrates what is possible when communities come together around a shared vision. By investing in housing, people, and neighborhoods simultaneously, HAKC continues to help create stronger communities, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life throughout Kansas City. The lessons and successes of the Paseo Gateway transformation continue to guide our commitment to building vibrant neighborhoods where residents can live, work, and thrive.