Let's Continue our Hard Work

Independence, Missouri

Let's Continue
our Hard Work

Independence,
Missouri

Eileen Weir

Eight Years of Forward Progress

I ran for City Council in 2012 because I believe in Independence and the future of our city. Independence is more than a place on the map, it is an attitude and a state of mind. From our earliest days as the Queen City of the Trails, here is where generations of hard-working individuals have pursued their ambitions and built community.

I believe Independence is as rich in opportunity as it is in history. Together, we continue to build greater economic prosperity, reliable municipal services, high-quality education and neighborhoods, and a level of customer service that attracts and supports businesses and residents.

Within the city, throughout the region, and across the nation, I relentlessly promote the Independence shared vision and seek out resources and partnerships that contribute to the growth and preservation of our hometown.

I am honored to serve as your mayor and am eager to continue our forward progress.

Eileen Weir

Eight Years of Forward Progress

I ran for City Council in 2012 because I believe in Independence and the future of our city. Independence is more than a place on the map, it is an attitude and a state of mind. From our earliest days as the Queen City of the Trails, here is where generations of hard-working individuals have pursued their ambitions and built community.

I believe Independence is as rich in opportunity as it is in history. Together, we continue to build greater economic prosperity, reliable municipal services, high-quality education and neighborhoods, and a level of customer service that attracts and supports businesses and residents.

Within the city, throughout the region, and across the nation, I relentlessly promote the Independence shared vision and seek out resources and partnerships that contribute to the growth and preservation of our hometown.

I am honored to serve as your mayor and am eager to continue our forward progress.

Leadership Accomplishments

2012-2020
  • Strategic Plan
  • Imagine Independence
  • Downtown Redevelopment
  • Uptown Market
  • Indep. Economic
  • Diversity Task Force
Strategic Plan

“Independence for All” Strategic Plan

The five-year strategic plan was adopted by the City Council by unanimous vote in February, 2017. “Independence for All” is the city’s first published strategic plan that includes quarterly online performance measures Weir led the development of the strategic goals, objectives and tactics through engagement with citizens, businesses, school districts, and civic leaders. 64% of the 74 “Independence for All” goals have been completed and 35% are in progress.

Imagine Independence

“Imagine Independence 2040 - A Community Vision”

Weir set the goal to create a new comprehensive development plan when she was elected to the City Council in 2012. “Imagine Independence 2040” was adopted by the City Council by unanimous vote in April, 2018. It is the city’s first comprehensive development plan since 1993. “Imagine Independence 2040” was recognized by the American Planning Association – Missouri Chapter for Outstanding Public Outreach, Program, Project, Tool, Community Initiative.

Downtown Redevelopment

Downtown Redevelopment Coordinating Committee (DRCC)

The Downtown Redevelopment Coordinating Committee (DRCC) was formed to meet the city’s strategic goals. The committee included council members, citizens, city staff and outside consultants to redefine the downtown district and create a 20-year+ vision and blueprint for public and private investment. Implementation of the DRCC plan is led by the Independence On a Roll Working Group.

Uptown Market

Uptown Market

The Independence Uptown Market was opened in August, 2018 to accommodate the seasonal farmers’ and crafters’ market and host public and private events. The $3.3 million project repurposed a city surface parking funded through a public private partnership.

Independence Economic Development

Independence Economic Development and Incentives Commission

The Independence Economic Development and Incentives Commission was established to improve transparency of publicly subsidized development projects. While the Missouri State Statute requires cities to have a Tax Increment Financing Commission there is no requirement for citizen oversight of other tax incentives such as Community Improvement Districts, Transportation Development Districts, Chapter 353 Tax Abatement, and Chapter 100 Industrial Development Bonds. Mayor Weir championed the establishment of this Commission to provide more oversight of tax incentives and abatements.

Diversity Task Force

Mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

Weir appointed the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force in October, 2020 to review an existing Memorandum of Understanding regarding racial diversity of city personnel and police policies. The task force reconvened in June, 2020 to provide advice and guidance on the city’s police policies and racial inclusion and equity.

COVID-19 Response

Leading through crisis requires skill, experience, and compassion.

On March 12, 2020, Mayor Eileen Weir declared a State of Emergency for the City of Independence, becoming the first city in Eastern Jackson County to activate emergency protocols to “flatten the curve” of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. Jackson County and the State of Missouri followed suit by declaring a State of Emergency on March 13th.

Twelve days after the State of Emergency was declared in Independence, the Jackson County Stay at Home order went into effect until it was lifted on May 15th.

On March 24th Mayor Weir, as Treasurer of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Board of Directors, persuaded the MARC Board to create the Multi-Agency Coordination Group (MACG) in response to the global pandemic.

COVID-19 had a swift and severe impact on city finances. A projected budget shortfall of $2.8 million had to be resolved along with an additional $1.5 million of contingency funds prior to the end of the fiscal year on June 30th.

Mayor Weir has demonstrated unprecedented leadership throughout the COVID-19 crisis. She has used her experience and affiliations with many local, regional, and national organizations and elected officials to guide Independence during its most challenging time.

COVID-19 Response

Leading through crisis requires skill, experience, and compassion.

On March 12, 2020, Mayor Eileen Weir declared a State of Emergency for the City of Independence, becoming the first city in Eastern Jackson County to activate emergency protocols to “flatten the curve” of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. Jackson County and the State of Missouri followed suit by declaring a State of Emergency on March 13th.

Twelve days after the State of Emergency was declared in Independence, the Jackson County Stay at Home order went into effect until it was lifted on May 15th.

On March 24th Mayor Weir, as Treasurer of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Board of Directors, persuaded the MARC Board to create the Multi-Agency Coordination Group (MACG) in response to the global pandemic.

COVID-19 had a swift and severe impact on city finances. A projected budget shortfall of $2.8 million had to be resolved along with an additional $1.5 million of contingency funds prior to the end of the fiscal year on June 30th.

Mayor Weir has demonstrated unprecedented leadership throughout the COVID-19 crisis. She has used her experience and affiliations with many local, regional, and national organizations and elected officials to guide Independence during its most challenging time.

Community Involvement

Professional Organizations & Initiatives

Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)
Board of Directors

KC Rising
Steering Committee

Missouri Metro Mayors Caucus
Member

Missouri Mayors United
Member

Eastern Jackson County Betterment Council
Co-Chair

Little Blue Valley Sewer District
Board of Trustees, Treasurer

United States Conference of Mayors

National League of Cities
Economic Development Committee

Independence Economic Development Council
Board of Directors

Kansas City Area Development Council
Board of Directors

Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination
Member

Mayors For Peace
Member

Non-Profit & Volunteer Organizations

Truman Library Institute
Board of Directors, Vice Chair

Truman Medical Centers
Board of Directors

ArtsKC
Board of Directors

Missouri Mayors United
Member

Junior Service League of Independence
Member

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors

Independence Chamber of Commerce
Public Policy Committee

Awards

2015Ignatian Award for Community Service

Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY

2016Women of Distinction

The Examiner, Independence, MO

2016George Matteson Leadership Award

Independence Economic Developmen Council Board of Directors

2017Rosa Parks Spirit Award

Kansas City Area Transit Authority

Building Together

A look over the past 8 Years

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