Welcome Dear Listeners…
…In the heart of Kansas City, a quiet revolution is reshaping the cityscape, one vibrant detail at a time. Join Emily Craven and Tim Souza in the latest season of the Story City Podcast: Vibrant Spaces, as they sit down with the city’s visionaries who are breathing new life into urban environments across the United States.
Discover how Kansas City’s transformation is more than just a change in aesthetics—it’s about fostering a sense of community, pride, and belonging. From the strategic placement of signage to the consistent visual branding across all city projects, Melissa and Jared reveal the meticulous thought process behind creating a city where everyone, from a mom pushing a stroller to a lifelong resident, feels at home.
This episode is more than just a conversation; it’s an invitation to rethink how we build and experience our cities.
In this episode, Melissa Kozakiewicz , the Deputy City Manager for Kansas City, and Jared Horman, Creative Director for the City of Kansas City, share their insights into what makes a city not just livable, but lovable and joyfulOkay. Dive deep into the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure every corner of the city, from the smallest sidewalk notice to grand murals and infrastructure projects, contributes to a cohesive and joyful experience for every resident and visitor.
Tune in to hear how Kansas City’s innovative approach to urban design is setting new standards for city living, and be inspired to bring a little bit of that vibrancy to your own community. Whether you’re a city planner, a designer, or simply someone who loves where they live, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating spaces that not only work but also bring joy. Plug in those headphones and let’s take a look at the way the these city innovators are tackling this vibrancy challenge!
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Show Notes
Learn more about Story City and how we work with partners here.
Transcript of this Episode is here.
You can subscribe to the Podcast via our YouTube channel here, or via our main Podcast page here where you can also find our other episodes and seasons.
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Our Guests on Today’s Pod:
Melissa Kozakiewicz is a seasoned public administration professional currently serving as the Deputy City Manager for Kansas City, Missouri. With oversight of a substantial $2.4 billion budget and direction for 4000 municipal employees, she brings a wealth of experience to her role.
Prior to her current position, Melissa held the title of Deputy Business Administrator for the City of Jersey City, showcasing her proficiency in municipal management. In both Kansas City and Jersey City, Melissa has championed the concept of “the utility of creativity,” infusing artistry and intentionality into all aspects of municipal initiatives and operations.
Her dedication to innovation and forward-thinking approaches led her to also serve as the Director of Innovation for Jersey City, where she demonstrated a commitment to fostering progressive solutions. Melissa’s broad expertise is further evidenced by her previous roles as a professor of public policy and the editor of the Jersey City Independent, highlighting her deep understanding of community engagement and communication.
With a passion for driving positive change and enhancing the quality of life for residents, Melissa Kozakiewicz continues to be an influential figure in the realm of municipal governance, shaping the future of cities through her visionary leadership.
Jared Horman, Creative Director for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, brings a dynamic blend of design and creativity to the city’s communications and initiatives. With a BFA in Graphic Design from Missouri State University and a background in graphic design, marketing, and freelancing, Jared’s work has significantly enhanced Kansas City’s visual identity, social media storytelling, and even led to the creation of the city flag.
Starting his career as the first full-time Graphic Designer for Pi Kappa Phi fraternity HQ, Jared later served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for FarmHouse fraternity. His freelance work and volunteer roles for local fundraising events in Kansas City further honed his creative skills.
Jared defines creative placemaking as envisioning spaces that inspire community use and engagement. His vision for Kansas City involves celebrating its rich artistic culture through public art, new parks, and innovative wayfinding systems. He believes creative placemaking fosters community, joy, and economic growth.
Navigating the complexities of municipal government has been an exciting new opportunity; Jared’s perseverance has led to notable achievements, including designing the city’s wayfinding and public aesthetic. He holds a firm belief that creativity inspires joy and reflection, encouraging collaborative community building.
About your hosts:
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
