County Thanks State Leaders for Advancing Economic Development Tools

Clay County officials today expressed their deep appreciation to Governor Mike Kehoe for his pivotal leadership in building momentum and securing broad-based support for key legislation that enhances Missouri’s ability to compete for major sports-related economic development. His engagement was critical to the successful passage of the Show Me Sports Investment Act and companion legislation specific to Clay County.

Clay County also thanked Senator Kurtis Gregory and Senator Maggie Nurrenbern for their sponsorship and championship of the Show Me Sports Investment Act, which creates new economic incentive tools that counties and municipalities can use to support professional sports investment and regional growth.

In addition, a separate piece of legislation was passed giving Clay County the authority to establish a Sports Authority, a move that enhances the County’s capacity to evaluate and pursue transformative economic opportunities.

The Clay County House Delegation was also recognized for its consistent support and collaboration throughout the legislative process.

“We are especially grateful to Governor Kehoe for his leadership and hands-on engagement, and to Senators Nurrenbern and Gregory for their vision and tenacity in moving this legislation forward,” said Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte. “These tools provide a foundation for meaningful economic development, and we look forward to continued conversations with the Kansas City Royals about the possibilities for Clay County and the region.”

Both bills are currently awaiting the Governor’s signature. Clay County officials are optimistic that the measures will be signed into law in the coming weeks.

KPGZ News – Squall Charlson contributed to this story.

Damon Hodges Appointed New Clay County Administrator

Damon Hodges

Following a nationwide search, the Clay County Commissioners have unanimously voted to appoint Damon Hodges as the next County Administrator. Hodges has more than 20 years of public service experience and currently serves as the City Administrator for the City of Raytown, Missouri.

The search began shortly after the current County Administrator Dianna Wright announced her plans to retire on November 1st. The Commissioners partnered with the executive recruitment firm SGR to lead the search process to identify a qualified successor. Hodges will officially assume his duties as County Administrator on June 23, 2025.

Hodges has served as the City Administrator for Raytown since 2018, where he led several transformative city-wide initiatives. Among his key accomplishments are the successful passage of the largest stormwater general obligation bond in the city’s history, collaboration with the Board of Aldermen and staff to enhance workplace culture and employee facilities, completion of Raytown’s first salary study in over 20 years, and continued efforts to improve city operations and support sustainable growth.

Before becoming City Administrator, Hodges served as Raytown’s Public Works Director, managing critical infrastructure projects and community development. His public service career began with a 15-year tenure at the City of Kansas City, Missouri, where he played a central role in major redevelopment projects, including the Downtown Kansas City Power & Light Entertainment District, Beacon Hill, and the Martin City infrastructure initiative. He also oversaw numerous roads, bridge, and capital improvement projects across the city.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hodges holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Baker University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Southern University A&M College. He is an active member of his church and spent nearly a decade coaching youth sports, mentoring and inspiring young athletes. A devoted family man, Hodges has been married for 25 years and is the proud father of three children. As a long-time resident of Clay County, he brings a personal connection and deep commitment to the community he will now serve in this new leadership role.

“I am honored to serve as the next Clay County Administrator, and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff and elected officials to continue moving Clay County forward,” Hodges said. “I want to sincerely thank the Clay County Commissioners for their vote of confidence in appointing me to this vital role. I am deeply committed to serving the entire community that my family and I have proudly called home for the past 23 years.”

Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte expressed his confidence in Mr. Hodges, stating, "I look forward to working closely with our incoming County Administrator Damon Hodges as he assumes the duties of County Administrator. Based on his history of excellence, I have every confidence in his ability to lead our staff to promote government efficiency, public safety, infrastructure improvements and economic opportunities for our citizens."

Joann Lawson, Eastern Commissioner At-Large, echoed these sentiments: “I am delighted to welcome Damon Hodges to our team. Together, we will work to make Clay County an even better place to live, work, and thrive.”

Mr. Hodges brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to his new role. His leadership will focus on enhancing government efficiency, improving infrastructure, and fostering economic opportunities for the citizens of Clay County.

KPGZ News - Megan Sahlfeld contributed to this story.

Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Begins Jan. 1

The Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief program was passed by the Clay County Commission in 2023. On January 1, the work begins when the program goes into effect.

To be eligible for the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief program, you must turn or be 62 years of age during the calendar year 2025, a Clay County resident and own your home, the home you are claiming must be your primary residence, and you must be responsible for the property tax.

To enroll in the program, seniors will need a valid US Government issued photo identification, proof of all taxes paid, and proof of ownership.

The tax relief is not retroactive and all Clay County residents eligible for the tax relief, and who apply in 2025, will have a base tax year of 2024. The tax relief is calculated by subtracting the real estate property tax of the base year from the current year’s real estate property tax.

Participants are required to submit an affidavit every year after the initial application to ensure eligibility is still being met.

For more information about the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief program, visit HERE. https://www.claycountymo.gov/563/2024---2025-Senior-Real-Estate-Property-

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Online for Public Review

Clay County is in the final stages of the Comprehensive Planning process. The final draft plan recommendations will be available online for public review and comment from Sept. 19 through Sept 30 at ClayCountyCompass.com.

There will also be an informational booth for the public to view the final draft plan at the Liberty Fall Festival on Friday, Sept 27 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday, Sept 28 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Liberty City Hall Fountain. The public is encouraged to view the plan and share any final comments.

The final plan recommendations are slated to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission for adoption on December 3, 2024.

The goal of the plan is to provide the community with a compelling vision and plan that will be used to guide decision-making and development. The Plan will provide an inclusive framework for the orderly and consistent planning for future growth of the unincorporated portion of the County with collaboration from the municipalities and jurisdictions within the area. The core Plan elements include land use, economic development, mobility, environment, and collaboration.

For more information please visit ClayCountyCompass.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.