Blue River Valley - Foundation for Regeneration

We believe that by focusing on understanding the hyperlocal in Kansas City within the greater Midwest region, we can make sense of and iterate on nature based solutions and the corresponding programs that are relevant nationally.

Historically, the Blue River Valley was once a source of abundant clean water, rich soil for farming, and a favorite playground for Kansas Citians enjoying fishing, water sports, houseboats, and restaurants. The industrial age brought great change to the river and surrounding neighborhoods; where industry selected riverside sites and brought jobs and economic activity but, over time, converted the once pristine river and surrounding land into a toxic wasteland. As the industrial businesses left, so did the jobs supporting the surrounding neighborhoods. The Blue River Valley – which was once a nature lover destination and thriving industrial community – is now in serious economic decline with an uncertain future. This is ground zero for our work.

The partnership between the Foundation for Regeneration (“FFR”), Industrial Development Authority (“IDA”), and Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (“EDCKC”) began with the Phase I Discovery Report. The BRV report studies the last 100 years of history integrating perspectives of industry, community, and nature. It updates the 2017 completion status for all recommendations in the 2017 Redevelopment Opportunity Assessment and shares notable developments and the status of regional assets within the BRV footprint. The document proposed changes to the boundaries to include the surrounding neighborhoods and added depth to the concept of Ecodustrial with national comparables and applied economic theory. Finally, it offered a revised intervention roadmap going forward; citing building blocks for the next economy and pilot projects worth investing in to create generational value.

Phase II followed with a series of 10 Pilots meant to stimulate momentum using a methodology Bob has utilized called “urban acupuncture” at the intersection of economic development, community empowerment, and ecological health. We’ve organized a Blue River Valley Leadership Coalition to make this happen better, smarter, and faster.

The Foundation for Regeneration pilot portfolio continues to evolve; focused at the intersection of Regenerative Land Management, Circular Economy, and Financial Innovation.

Regenerative Land Management

Acquisition, agriculture, remediation, and conservation activities.

Circular Economy Studio

Research & venture development for local waste stream diversion into value added products

Financial
Innovation

Delivering economic, social, public health, and other benefits through blended finance

The purpose of this work is to stimulate economic development in the Blue River Valley industrial corridor by realizing the vision of the eco-industrial park concept.

The Blue River Valley was once a source of abundant clean water, rich soil for farming, and a favorite playground for Kansas Citians enjoying fishing, water sports, houseboats, and restaurants. The industrial age brought great change to the river and surrounding neighborhoods; where industry selected riverside sites and brought jobs and economic activity but, over time, converted the once pristine river and surrounding land into a toxic wasteland. As the industrial businesses left, so did the jobs supporting the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Blue River Valley – which was once a nature lover destination and thriving industrial community – is now in serious economic decline with an uncertain future.

In recent years, a significant amount of work has gone into assessing how to reclaim the Blue River Valley. These plans have included a report card grading the ecological health of the Blue River, development site assessment, and market analysis on the area’s competitiveness to attract new companies as tenants which can be found below under Resources.

In partnership with the Hoxie Collective and Parson+ Associates, Industrial Development Authority and the EDC supported the work of the the Foundation for Regeneration to advance a Phase I Discovery scope of work to stimulate economic development in the KCMO Blue River Valley Industrial Corridor.