Community Development Workshop
A Decade-plus of Neighborhood Leadership
Since 2013, the Community Development Workshop (CDW), presented by Community Capital Fund, has gathered Kansas City’s grassroots leaders, neighborhood organizations, small business owners, nonprofits, and residents to share knowledge, build connections, and strengthen our communities.
This no-cost, casual, and inclusive event is the premier conference experience for showcasing the beauty and ingenuity of Kansas City neighborhoods. Whether you're a longtime leader or just getting involved, CDW provides an empowering space to learn, collaborate, and grow your impact.
Two Days of Powerful Community Learning
Friday, Oct. 3: Immersive Experiences and CDW Kick-Off
Hands-on, interactive sessions designed to dig deep into community development challenges and opportunities.
Saturday, Oct. 4: Workshop Sessions
Choose from a variety of expert-led workshops covering topics like:
Neighborhood Revitalization & Civic Pride
Youth & Resident Engagement
Project Planning, Implementation, and Technical Skills
Friday, Oct. 3: IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES & CDW KICK-OFF
Mark Your Calendar
Friday, Oct. 3:
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Immersive Experience: Boston Daniels Park, 725 Quindaro Blvd, Kansas City, KS
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. — CDW Kick-off Party: 1218 Swift St, North Kansas City, MO
Saturday, Oct. 4: Workshop Sessions
10:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. — Workshop Sessions: Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO (Doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Why Attend
Grow. Connect. Take Action.
At CDW, you’ll:
Learn new skills and practical tools you can apply immediately.
Connect with neighborhood leaders, government officials, nonprofits, and changemakers.
Discover new community resources and partnership opportunities.
Walk away empowered and equipped to create positive change in your neighborhood.
Be part of Kansas City’s premier community development event
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
From Vision to Reality: The Unveiling of Boston Daniels Park
Last year’s CDW walked us through the vision for Boston Daniels Park—this year, you’ll experience the real thing. Join us at the newly completed park, a space born from the dreams of the Quindaro Peace and Arts District. What was once a concept has come to life as a vibrant hub for community healing, creativity, and connection. This session invites you to walk the grounds, hear the story behind its development, and explore how public space can serve as a catalyst for a larger movement rooted in peace, art, and neighborhood pride.
Location: Boston Daniels Park (725 Quindaro Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66101)
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
CDW Kick-Off Party
We’re opening this year’s Community Development Workshop with a bang—and you’re invited. After a powerful morning of immersive neighborhood experiences, join us for the CDW Kick-Off Party, an evening filled with good food, live entertainment, interactive activities, and all the right people.
This is your chance to connect with fellow attendees, community leaders, and partners from across Kansas City in a high-energy space designed to spark conversation, collaboration, and celebration.
Space is limited and only open to registered CDW participants, so make sure you’re signed up and ready to kick things off in style.
Location: 1218 Swift St, North Kansas City, MO (Dress code: Casual)
Saturday, Oct. 4: WORKSHOP SESSIONS
Welcome Address (10:00 – 10:20 a.m.)
Breakout Sessions — Round 1 (10:30 – 11:25 a.m.)
It’s Time to Step Up: Youth Voices in Violence Prevention
In Wyandotte County, youth voices are leading the way in reimagining what a safe community looks like. MOCSA and the Wyandotte County Violence Prevention Coalition (WyCo VPC) partnered with seven youth-serving organizations to co-create a violence prevention campaign rooted in positive norms and behavior change. Through a series of Youth Voices in Violence Prevention forums, young people shared their visions of safety, accountability, and belonging. Their insights were brought to life in partnership with local marketing firm EAG, resulting in a bold campaign that calls on adults to step up and model what it means to be engaged community members. Join MOCSA, EAG, and a youth representative to learn about the process, the final campaign, and its real-world impact.
Speakers: MOCSA, EAG, and a youth representative
The Art of Gathering: Lessons from the Field
Join Brenna Duffy and Alissa Workman as they discuss Priya Parker’s book, The Art of Gathering. They will share their experience utilizing Parker’s framework to build upon and improve a long-standing event. Attendees will leave this session with an understanding of how to define their purpose, invite the correct stakeholders, and create an authentic experience. Putting this foundation into action will turn any gathering into a sought-after event.
Speakers: Brenna Duffy, Alissa Workman – City of Overland Park, Neighborhoods + Housing Department
What Funders Really Want: Insider Insights for Neighborhood Leaders
Ever wonder what’s going through a funder’s mind when they review your project or proposal? This session pulls back the curtain on the funding world, giving neighborhood leaders practical, no-nonsense advice on what funders are really looking for. We’ll cover common misconceptions, the key elements that make a proposal stand out, and how to build authentic relationships with funders that go beyond a single grant. Participants will walk away with insider tips, confidence in telling their community’s story, and actionable strategies to position their projects for long-term suppor
Speakers: Phyllis Hardwick, Community Capital Fund
Breakout Sessions — Round 2 (12:30 – 1:25 p.m.)
Zoning, Code & City Hall: Crack the Code to Make Change Happen
Understanding how city decisions are made is key to effective neighborhood advocacy. This session will introduce attendees to Chapter 88 of the KCMO Development Code, offering practical tools for researching zoning and development proposals that impact your community. You’ll learn how to read and interpret code language, track down key information, and use that knowledge to support or challenge projects in your area. We'll also walk through how the city hearing process works and share tips for crafting powerful public testimony. Whether you're standing up for your block or pushing for a bigger vision, this session will help you crack the code—and make your voice count.
Speakers: Tiffany Moore, Kansas City Neighborhood Advisory Council
Community C.A.R.E.: A Framework for Healing-Centered Leadership in Neighborhoods
In a time of growing disconnection and systemic harm, neighborhoods are powerful sites of resilience, safety, and collective action. But healing doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intentional leadership. In this interactive session, Brandee Alexander introduces Community C.A.R.E., a healing-centered leadership framework built for grassroots leaders, resident organizers, and community champions.
Speakers: Brandee Alexander, MOCSA
Closing Plenary (1:30 – 2:25 p.m.)
What’s Next at CCF: New Grants, Big Ideas, and How to Get Involved
We’re closing out this year’s Community Development Workshop with a look ahead—and you won’t want to miss it. As we wrap the day, join us for an inside look at upcoming grant programs designed to support neighborhood leaders, grassroots changemakers, and community-driven ideas. We’ll walk through what’s launching, who it’s for, and how you can plug in. Whether you’re a past grantee or just getting to know CCF, this session is your roadmap to funding possibilities and opportunities in the year ahead.
Speakers: Andrew Davis, Cambria Floyd, Dajaun Hindsman