Thrive Excelsior, a growing community coalition focused on improving quality of life and increasing life expectancy in Excelsior Springs, held a quarterly meeting on April 17, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Center. Task force leaders from the coalition’s four key areas — housing, health and wellness, economic vitality, and community connectedness and engagement — shared progress updates and outlined upcoming initiatives.
Formed by leaders and residents from sectors such as healthcare, education, business, local government, and nonprofits, Thrive Excelsior is a citizen-driven movement where community members are encouraged to be both engaged and influential. Each working committee is powered by volunteers, some with professional expertise and many simply passionate about making a difference.
Health & Wellness Committee
The Health Committee announced two upcoming events aimed at strengthening local health resources. A Resource Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., inviting the public to attend and providing an opportunity for local organizations to participate as vendors. Interested organizations can contact Julia Mees with ES SAFE.
In addition, Maura Woolsey will present a Lunch and Learn session on May 7 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Excelsior Springs Hospital Community Room, offering valuable information for attendees during the midday gathering.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee announced the launch of a community-wide survey to gather citizen feedback. The survey will be available through the end of May. Porch Light, a professional research group, has been hired to analyze the survey results and provide strategic insights.
Excelsior Springs is also being included in the 2025 Map Challenge hosted by the Community Health Data Network, a project that will deliver detailed local data that would otherwise be unavailable, aiding future planning and decision-making.
Community Connectedness and Engagement Committee
To improve accessibility and encourage even more resident involvement, Thrive Excelsior is developing a new organizational website. The site will offer a central place to showcase data, share news about community activities, collect citizen feedback, and provide easy ways for residents to get involved in the coalition’s efforts.
Economic Vitality Committee
The Economic Vitality Committee continues to push forward with several economic development initiatives.
Among the key updates:
– Hotel development is being explored, with a search committee now formed to pursue potential investors.
– A Jobs Board partnership with the Excelsior Citizen and Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce has launched at jobs.excelsiorcitizen.com. Listings are $1 per day for 30 days, with a 10% discount for Chamber members.
– Registration is underway for the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference scheduled for September 30 through October 2, 2025. Volunteers will be needed to assist.
– Progress is being made toward opening a co-working space in Excelsior Springs. After touring Shoal Creek’s Co-Op and other local facilities, the committee is partnering with First United Methodist Church to establish a space by this fall.
– A business recruitment team is being assembled to welcome and engage new business prospects.\n- The committee is also exploring a Pilot Program for an Entrepreneurial Support Group and working to expand job training opportunities locally, including potential collaborations with the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center.
Housing Committee
The Housing Committee continues efforts to improve community appearance and housing access:
– The popular Curb Appeal Contest returns in May. Sponsorships are available for $50 each to support the initiative.
– A small working group has formed to encourage homeowners to paint and maintain their homes as part of a broader effort to tackle blight.
– Beacon Realty is offering financial literacy courses, helping residents better understand budgeting and financial planning for homeownership.
– Multiple organizations are collaborating on strategies to support the unhoused population, aiming to coordinate resources more effectively.
– Workforce housing solutions are being explored, including partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and consideration of land trust models like Pathways at Heritage Park to create more affordable housing options.
Moving Forward
Thrive Excelsior leaders invite all residents to stay engaged and help shape the future of the community. Citizens are encouraged to complete the Thrive Excelsior survey and share their ideas and feedback by visiting https://thriveexcelsior.com.
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