Kansas Speedway, Mayor Carol Marinovich

In 1989, Carol Marinovich was the first woman elected to the Kansas City, Kansas City Council, and in 1995, she became the first female mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. As mayor, she lobbied for the consolidation of the Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County governments, which went into effect in October of 1997. She was subsequently elected the first Mayor-CEO of the newly unified city and county governments, holding the position until 2005. Under her leadership, Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County experienced less government scandals, an improved relationship with the state government, and economic growth. A tourist district, as well as improved housing developments, greatly improved the city's economy. After the end of her mayoralty in 2005, she became partner and Vice President of Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., a public relations firm. Marinovaich was awarded the prestigious Kansas Citian of the Year award from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce in 2005, and was inducted into the Starr Women's Hall of Fame in 2021.

Carol Marinovich was born in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Kansas City. She attended St. Mary's College, receiving Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1972. Marinovich used her degree to become an educator in Unified School District #500 from 1972 to 1982. She returned to school to pursue a Master of Science in Education and an Administration Certificate from the University of Kansas. She earned the degree and certificate in 1980 and 1981, respectively. With her additional education, Marinovich became the Special Education Coordinator at Unified School District #500 in 1982, a position she held until 1995.

Marinovich, a lifelong Kansas Citian, watched a steady decline in Kansas City, Kansas, throughout her life. The city's decline led to economic difficulties and a reputation as a "sordid city." Disappointed with the city council’s seeming inaction to such community issues, Marinovich became a candidate for the 1989 city council election in Kansas City, Kansas. Marinovich was elected to the city council in 1989, becoming the first woman on the council in Kansas City, Kansas history. She served as a council member for six years, focusing on regulating adult entertainment establishments in the city, improving housing opportunities, and bolstering the economy. Her leadership as a council member led to the creation of Palo Vista, the first housing development in the area in almost 30 years. However, in the mid-1990s, Marinovich believed she could contribute even more to community development in a higher political position.

Marinovich ran for Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, against 12 other candidates, winning the seat in 1995. For the first two years of her mayoralty, Marinovich lobbied in Topeka for consolidation of the Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas governments. Added to the ballot in 1997, members of the community voted for consolidation of the two governments, which went into effect in October of 1997. Marinovich was voted the first Mayor and CEO of the unified government, a position she held until 2005. Under her leadership, Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County experienced less government scandals, an improved relationship with the state government, and economic growth.

Throughout her mayoralty, Marinovich wanted to make Kansas City, Kansas a world-class destination for tourism and entertainment. Such aspirations led to her approval of the development of the ISC Speedway, bringing NASCAR to Kansas, and the development of Village West, a tourism center that featured shopping, food, and other entertainment. NASCAR saw a growth in viewership in the 1990s, and Marinovich believed it could bolster the economy through ticket sales. The Kansas Speedway broke ground in 1999, and had its inaugural race in 2001. Additionally, the Village West tourism district was erected adjacent to the Speedway, encouraging visitors to shop, dine, or participate in other entertainment. Businesses such as Cabela’s, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and the Great Wolf Lodge came to the area, providing thousands of jobs for residents and increasing tourism revenue throughout Marinovich’s mayoralty. The Speedway and Village West, through its outlet mall and other businesses, continue to accrue revenue for the city today. Additionally, the construction of Children's Mercy Park, home of the Sporting Kansas City professional soccer team, in 2011 across from the Speedway added another tourist attraction in the area.

Marinovich remained Mayor and CEO until 2005, after which she became partner and Vice President of Fleishman-Hillard, Inc., a public relations firm. Later in 2005, she received the prestigious Kansas Citian of the Year award from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, one of numerous awards Marinovich received throughout her life. In 2021, Marinovich was inducted into the Starr Women's Hall of Fame for her accomplishments as the first female mayor of Kansas City, Kansas and her additional community engagement.

Carol Marinovich Collection, MS 0348, LaBudde Special Collections, 800 E 51st St, Kansas City, MO 64110, https://library.umkc.edu/labudde. (Still Processing).

Kansas City, Kansas Mayors: Carol Marinovich, Kansas City Kansas Public Library. Accessed July 1st 2022. https://www.kckpl.org/kansas/kck-mayors.html.

Starr Women's Hall of Fame: Inductees, Starr Women's Hall of Fame. Accessed July 1st 2022. https://www.umkc.edu/starrhalloffame/hall.asp.