Independence hears pitch to join regional 'Legacy TC3' Parade of Hearts platform for $10,000 opt‑in
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Summary
Parade of Hearts organizers and local arts volunteers asked council to opt into a regional Legacy TC3 tourism and marketing platform; staff indicated the tourism fund or general revenue could cover a $10,000 one-time opt-in fee and agreed to return budget guidance.
Parade of Hearts organizers told the Independence City Council on April 14 that the group is offering municipalities across the Kansas City region an opportunity to opt into a new web-based tourism and coordination platform called Legacy TC3 for a one-time fee.
Jennifer Nesbeck, executive director of Parade of Hearts and CEO of Clutch KC, said the platform is being built to coordinate marketing, business listings and regional collaboration ahead of and during major events such as the 2026 World Cup. “Your investment is not just to be able to have the keys to behind the scenes coordinating and collaborating, but it's also a way to connect your local businesses where they can opt in for free and promote,” Nesbeck said.
Organizers described a one-time opt-in cost of $10,000 per municipality or county, with a June 30 deadline to commit. The platform’s infrastructure is scheduled to be turned over to regional leadership on Sept. 30, 2026, and the organizers said participating jurisdictions would have a seat on a task force to help govern the tool going forward. Nesbeck said communities that opt in can list local business promotions and receive analytics from the platform.
Council members asked where the city would pay the fee. The city manager said the tourism fund would be the most appropriate source if the council wished to participate, but the fee could also come from the general fund; staff will incorporate the item in budget development for council direction. Councilman Fierce and others asked staff to ensure the tourism fund commitment would not crowd out higher-priority tourism expenditures.
Council member Wylie and others asked whether opting in guarantees that Independence would host a Parade of Hearts “heart” sculpture; Nesbeck said heart placement is a separate process from the platform and that Independence is likely to host one or more hearts regardless of an opt-in decision.
Council members indicated no objection to adding the item to a future agenda for formal consideration; staff will include the proposal in budget discussions and follow up with details about funding sources, recommended motion language, and next steps.