Urban West Region
The Urban West Region of University of Missouri Extension incorporates Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties, and has served our communities for over 100 years. Focusing on each Missourian through educational research based programming, our goal is to broaden our reach creating sustainability within our communities for another 100 years.
MU faculty, staff and elected council members who live in our community, work with neighbors to identify local interests and issues and then offer relevant programming and resources to meet the unique needs of our community.
Our job is to partner with communities to find solutions with credible, science-based information that will help you:
- Grow safe and healthy food
- Build and grow profitable businesses
- Improve health and relationships
- Increase agricultural production
- Update professional training in business, health and safety
- Engage youth as valued, contributing citizens
Explore the MU Extension website to discover how MU Extension can enhance your life.
Counties
Please visit the county pages for county-specific faculty and staff, events, courses and more.
Clay County is located in the U.S. state of Missouri and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the county had a population of 221,939, making it the fifth-most populous county in Missouri.
Area: 409 mi2
Pop: 249,949 (2019)
Congressional district: 6th
County seat: Liberty
Jackson County is located in the western portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2010 census, the population was 674,158. The estimated population in 2019 is 703,011 making it the second-most populous county in the state.
Area: 616 mi2
Pop: 703,011 (2019)
Congressional district: 5th
County seat: Independence
Platte County is a county located in the northwestern portion of the U.S. state of Missouri and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 89,322.
Area: 427 mi2
Pop: 104,418 (2019)
Congressional district: 6th
County seat: Platte City
View contact information for urban west region counties:
Urban West highlights
Dorothy Day Cabin
One of Platte County's oldest buildings will be a new place for art and agriculture.
Community Health
University of Missouri Extension has placed Community Health as a high priority for our educational efforts. We are proud to provide a comprehensive mix of resources that support the health and wellness of Missourians to help them be healthy, happy and productive people.
Show Me MO Success
MU Extension Engagement Specialists share how they’re working to empower women to overcome the challenges that prevent them from taking on leadership roles as public servants.
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MU Extension jobs
Homeowner Workshop Series
Events and online courses
Programs
Missouri Small Business Development Centers
The Missouri SBDC offers personalized and extensive services from knowledgeable and helpful professionals focused on your business success.
Community Leadership
These community development programs provide leadership training in a variety of formats to enhance the skills and opportunities for individuals who participate as well as the organizations and communities that they serve.
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance helps adults 60 years old and up realize that falls — and the fear of falling — are controllable. The program provides information on ways to change your environment to limit risk factors that contribute to falling, and will help you find strength and balance exercises to reduce your chances of falling.
Agricultural Business and Policy Extension
Agricultural Business and Policy Extension serves rural Missouri by helping farms, agribusinesses and communities understand their opportunities and challenges to make informed decisions.