Sly James

Sly James
Sly James
Born	Sylvester James, Jr. 9 12, 1951
Birthplace	Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, attorney
Title	54th Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri
Known for	54th Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri
Education	Rockhurst College (BA) Syracuse University University of Minnesota (JD)
Spouse(s)	Licia Clifton
Children	4

Sylvester "Sly" James, Jr. (born December 9, 1951) is an American politician and attorney who served as the 54th Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, holding office from May 2, 2011, to August 1, 2019. A resident of Kansas City's Union Hill neighborhood, James rose from a career in law to become one of the city's most consequential modern mayors, overseeing significant infrastructure initiatives including a major bond package and the construction of a new terminal at Kansas City International Airport. Before entering politics, he practiced law in Kansas City for decades and served in the United States Marine Corps. James was also known for his signature bow ties, which became a recognizable personal trademark during his time in office. He succeeded Mark Funkhouser as mayor and was himself succeeded by Quinton Lucas.

Early Life

Sylvester James, Jr. was born on December 9, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Kansas City and has been a longtime resident of the city's Union Hill neighborhood. After completing his secondary education, James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served before pursuing higher education and a legal career.

James's upbringing in Kansas City shaped his connection to the community and informed his later political career. His military service instilled discipline and leadership skills that he would carry into both his legal practice and public service. As a lifelong Kansas Citian, James developed deep roots in the city's civic and professional communities long before entering electoral politics.

Education

James pursued his undergraduate studies at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He subsequently attended Syracuse University before enrolling at the University of Minnesota Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. His legal education provided the foundation for a lengthy career in the practice of law in Kansas City, which he maintained for several decades prior to entering public office.

Career

Legal Career

Before entering politics, James built a substantial career as an attorney in Kansas City. He practiced law for several decades, eventually establishing his own firm. His legal practice encompassed a range of areas, and his professional reputation within the Kansas City legal community contributed to his profile as a civic leader. James was involved in various community and professional organizations during his years as a practicing attorney, which helped lay the groundwork for his eventual entry into public life.

2011 Mayoral Campaign

James entered the 2011 Kansas City mayoral race as a first-time candidate for public office. The race to succeed outgoing mayor Mark Funkhouser drew a competitive field of candidates. James positioned himself as a pragmatic leader focused on economic development and public safety.

The Kansas City Star endorsed James in the mayoral race, recommending him to voters as the candidate best suited to provide new direction for the city. On March 22, 2011, James won the general election, securing the mayoralty. Following his victory, James articulated his vision for Kansas City, telling the city to expect an active and engaged administration.

First Term as Mayor (2011–2015)

James was sworn in as the 54th Mayor of Kansas City on May 2, 2011, succeeding Mark Funkhouser. His administration immediately confronted a number of urban challenges, including public safety concerns. In the summer of 2011, a shooting incident on the Country Club Plaza involving three teenagers drew national attention and underscored the city's struggles with gun violence. The incident placed pressure on the James administration to address crime and safety in the city's popular entertainment and shopping districts.

During his first term, James focused on economic development, infrastructure improvements, and efforts to enhance the quality of life for Kansas City residents. He advocated for investment in the city's core neighborhoods and worked to attract business and development to the metropolitan area. His leadership style was described as direct and assertive, characteristics that earned him both supporters and critics within the city's political landscape.

Re-election and Second Term (2015–2019)

James sought and won re-election in 2015, securing a second four-year term as mayor. His second term was marked by several major initiatives that would define his legacy as mayor.

GO Bonds Infrastructure Initiative

One of the most significant undertakings of James's tenure was the promotion and passage of a major general obligation bond package, known as the GO Bonds. The initiative sought voter approval for hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure spending to address the city's aging roads, bridges, and public facilities. James championed the bond package as essential for the city's long-term economic competitiveness and quality of life.

The GO Bonds initiative represented a substantial investment in the city's physical infrastructure, covering improvements to streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other public assets. The bond package was presented to voters with detailed plans for how funds would be allocated across the city. James argued that the investment was necessary to reverse decades of deferred maintenance and to position Kansas City for future growth.

Kansas City International Airport New Terminal

Perhaps the most prominent and debated project of James's second term was the effort to build a new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport (KCI). The airport's existing three-terminal design, dating from the 1970s, had become a source of significant debate among Kansas City residents. While many travelers appreciated the convenience of the original terminal layout, which allowed passengers to park close to their gates, James and other proponents argued that the aging facilities were inadequate for modern air travel and security requirements.

In November 2017, Kansas City voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to construct a new single terminal at KCI, validating a central priority of the James administration. The vote was a major political victory for James, who had invested considerable political capital in the airport project. The new terminal was envisioned as a modern facility that would enhance the passenger experience, attract new airline routes, and serve as an economic engine for the region.

The KCI project was not without controversy, however. Critics questioned the cost projections, the process by which contracts were awarded, and whether the new terminal would truly serve the needs of travelers better than the existing layout. Despite these concerns, the strong margin of voter approval provided a clear mandate for the project to proceed.

Economic Development Philosophy

Throughout his time as mayor, James articulated an economic development philosophy centered on public investment as a catalyst for private growth. He spoke frequently about the need for Kansas City to invest in itself in order to compete with other metropolitan areas for jobs, talent, and corporate investment. James presented his economic development views to business audiences across the region, including speaking to the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council about his approach to fostering growth.

James emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, arguing that Kansas City's economic health was intertwined with that of its surrounding communities. He advocated for strategic use of tax incentives and public financing tools to attract development, while also facing scrutiny over the city's use of tax increment financing and other incentive programs.

Leadership Style and Public Image

James's leadership style was characterized by directness and a willingness to confront opposition. He was known for his forceful advocacy of his policy priorities and his ability to build coalitions in support of major initiatives. His signature bow ties became a widely recognized element of his public persona, lending a distinctive visual identity to his administration.

However, his assertive approach also drew criticism. Some observers characterized his leadership style as heavy-handed, and he faced pushback from city council members, community activists, and media commentators at various points during his tenure. The Pitch, a Kansas City alternative newspaper, published an extensive assessment of his time in office that examined the dual perceptions of James — as both an effective executive who advanced major projects and as a leader whose forceful style could alienate stakeholders.

Post-Mayoral Career

James left office on August 1, 2019, and was succeeded by Quinton Lucas, who won the 2019 mayoral election. Following his departure from City Hall, James returned to the private sector. He has continued to be involved in civic and community activities in Kansas City and has spoken publicly about economic development and urban policy issues.

Personal Life

Sly James has been a longtime resident of the Union Hill neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. He is married to Licia Clifton, and the couple have four children. James served in the United States Marine Corps prior to beginning his legal and political career.

James became widely identified with his habit of wearing bow ties, which became a personal trademark during his time as mayor. The bow ties attracted media attention and became a recognizable symbol of his administration, contributing to his public image as a distinctive figure in Kansas City politics.

Recognition

James's tenure as mayor was marked by several significant policy achievements, most notably the voter-approved construction of a new terminal at Kansas City International Airport and the passage of a major general obligation bond package for infrastructure improvements. His appearances on C-SPAN and engagement with national media during his time in office raised his profile beyond the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The Kansas City Star endorsed James in his initial 2011 mayoral campaign, citing the need for new leadership and direction for the city. His decisive victory in that race and his subsequent re-election in 2015 reflected sustained public support for his agenda during a period of significant change in Kansas City.

James also received attention from national publications during his tenure. His leadership on urban issues and his distinctive personal style were noted in coverage by outlets including C-SPAN and The Daily Beast.

Legacy

Sly James's eight years as mayor of Kansas City encompassed a period of substantial investment in the city's infrastructure and public facilities. The approval and initiation of the new KCI terminal project stands as one of the most consequential decisions of his administration, reshaping the city's primary airport for decades to come. The GO Bonds infrastructure initiative directed significant resources toward addressing long-deferred maintenance of the city's roads, bridges, and public buildings.

James's economic development philosophy, which emphasized public investment as a driver of private growth, influenced the direction of Kansas City's approach to attracting and retaining businesses. His advocacy for regional cooperation and strategic use of public financing tools contributed to ongoing debates about the best methods for fostering urban economic growth.

His leadership style — direct, assertive, and at times polarizing — left a complex legacy. Supporters credited him with advancing major projects that had stalled under previous administrations and with raising Kansas City's national profile. Critics pointed to concerns about transparency, the use of incentive programs, and a governing style that could marginalize dissenting voices.

The bow tie, James's most visible personal trademark, became an enduring symbol of his time in office. More substantively, his tenure represented a period in which Kansas City undertook some of its most ambitious public works projects in decades, setting the stage for the city's continued development under his successor, Quinton Lucas.