Economic Growth
Building toward
the future
Community and Economic Development take on a new mission
In February 2024, the City of Belton recorded more than 100 new building permits in a single month. That record number of permits had not been seen since the years before the pandemic of 2020.
It was just one more sign that Belton, as the largest and fastest-growing community in Cass County, was poised for even more growth and development. Still, before any new groundbreakings or announcements, City leaders wanted to ensure they were headed in the right direction and were ready to take on the new challenges of a changing development landscape.
In 2023, the City kicked off a year-long project to update and revise the City Comprehensive Plan. This plan – once completed later in 2024 – would serve as the guiding document for how the City would grow and develop for the next decade. But a plan that large and detailed is not created by one person – or even one department.
The Belton Comprehensive Planning processes relied on an unprecedented level of community engagement, town halls, surveys and other venues for feedback and comments. It was going to guide the growth of the community, and so it was crucial that the community have a voice in its development.
An additional part of an ongoing effort to best meet the needs of this growing community, the City also restructured and created a Community Development Department. Formerly known as the Community Planning and Building Department, the Community Development Department continued to manage the day-to-day permitting and planning processes, but now came with the added mission of engaging with the community through a variety of avenues to ensure that each new addition to the community helps build into the image shared by residents.
“Community Development is about more than just managing land use development and the Unified Development Code,” city manager Joe Warren said. “We want to use our resources and staff expertise to improve our community through collective action and come up with solutions that are meaningful to the people of Belton.”
Matt Wright continues to lead the restructured and rebranded Community Development Department. His insight and innovative thinking continues to lead the successful growth of the City organization and the community as a whole.
Along with changes in the Community Development Department, in 2023 the city also appointed Mike Ekey as assistant city manager of Economic Development and Community Engagement, a move that Warren says will bring fresh insights and expertise to the municipality.
With more than a decade in public service, Ekey’s addition marks a boost to Belton’s leadership team and underscores the Mayor and City Council’s focus on development and growth.
As part of this appointment, Ekey will work directly with Wright and his team, bringing the arms of economic development and community development together. Ekey will also oversee the development of formal communications and marketing efforts as the City works to improve public outreach and transparency.
By prioritizing these critical needs, the City of Belton aims to foster improved citizen engagement and services overall. This streamlined structure reflects the city’s dedication to efficiently meeting the evolving needs of its residents.
“Transparency is a priority for the city council, and it is one of my guiding principles,” Warren said. “The only way we will build trust with our residents is not just to open our operations and decision-making processes to the public, but to also invite the members of our community to participate in creating the city we all want.”
The City of Belton’s appointment of Ekey and its targeted restructuring efforts signify a pivotal phase in improving governance, transparency and community engagement. With a focus on innovation and excellence, Belton is poised for a bright future.
