The Kansas City Council Committee of the Whole on Sept. 2 approved establishing and spending a grant from Public Health Seattle and King County to support youth substance‑use prevention focused on marijuana, commercial tobacco and vaping.

Stacy Judd, who presented the grant, said the program is a four‑year effort; the contract before the council covered the first two years at $78,138 while the full four‑year total would be $156,276. The motion approved in committee established and authorized expenditure of $70,130 for the initial budget entry and authorized the mayor to sign a grant agreement subject to terms acceptable to the chief of police and city attorney.

Judd told the council the grant will fund the Game of Life youth conference and school follow‑up projects in participating middle and high schools; funds can cover conference presenters and bus transportation for schools that cannot afford buses. The grant will also fund family groups through Kent Youth and Family Services, student groups for youth at risk of or using substances, and a mental health first aid training program targeted to teens. The program includes tobacco and vape compliance checks in partnership with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, along with education for businesses about product placement and ID checks.

Council members asked about the age when vaping appears in schools; Judd said staff have seen use by pre‑teens and early middle school students (11–13) and that some schools reported incidents involving even younger students. A council member requested a follow‑up report on compliance check results; Judd agreed the department could provide that information.

The committee approved the motion by voice vote; the record shows unanimous passage in committee.

Why it matters: the grant funds prevention education, compliance enforcement and supportive services aimed at reducing youth access to tobacco, vaping and marijuana products and expands training and family support services in local schools and community programs.