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 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
As of the 2010 census, the population of Jackson County 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 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
Upcoming Events for the Urban West Region
Check out our calendar for an at-a-glance view of upcoming events in the Urban West Region. Choose your perspective (day, week, month) or print a detailed agenda to get a list of program activities. This calendar is new (July 2024) and faculty/staff are adding new entries regularly. Stay tuned!
Dear Council members and stakeholders of Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties,
MU Extension appreciates your dedication to serving our community through the University of Missouri Extension programs. The Urban West regional team would like your input, which is invaluable in shaping our programs and initiatives to meet the needs of our region better. Please take a few moments to complete the survey linked below to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback.
Urban West highlights
Dorothy Day Cabin
One of Platte County's oldest buildings will be a new place for art and agriculture.
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.
Events
February 7, 2025 - December 5, 2025
2025 CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series
March 19, 2025 - August 20, 2025
Missouri Food Systems Network: 2025 Virtual Exchange
April 15, 2025 - November 11, 2025
Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together
May 8, 2025 - June 5, 2025
Child Care Professional Development: Physical Activity Learning Sessions (PALS)
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 Arts Program
The Community Arts Program is a three-way partnership between MU Extension, the University of Missouri, and Missouri communities to promote and foster arts-based community and economic development.
CARES
The Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES) was established with the objective to use data and tools to support better informed decision making. Their professional data experts work with individuals and organizations to make maps, develop data visualizations, and figure out ways to do their work better.
Family Nutrition Education Programs (FNEP)
FNEP provides research-based nutrition education to Missouri’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and those who are eligible. MU Extension nutrition educators work in a variety of settings throughout the state with the goal of helping participants make behavior changes to achieve lifelong health and fitness.