Frustrated by delays, the civic board overseeing the transformation of a historic downtown section of Kansas City into a thriving tourist attraction has hired new leadership. The board has hired business executive David Whalen, whose family operated a business in the district for years, as president of the Jazz District Redevelopment Corporation. The corporation is charged with attracting investments to the 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City. It has accumulated nearly $40-Million from various sources to spur development. The previous president, Al Fleming, has been reassigned to a consultant’s role.
