Jackson County Legislator Venessa Huskey, 71, has transformed what could have been a quiet retirement into an impactful period of public service, highlighted by her co-sponsorship of legislation freezing property taxes for seniors and her work preserving civil rights history.
The Senior Property Tax Credit Program allows Jackson County residents aged 62 and older to freeze their property taxes at current levels. As both a sponsor and beneficiary of the program, Huskey actively helps fellow seniors navigate the application process at community events like the recent Third District Convention.
“It’s an easy sell because I use the program myself,” says Huskey. “If they were having trouble [filling out the online application], do like I do with my grandson, call them over and tell them ‘help your grandma do this.’”
Beyond tax reform, Huskey serves as Freedom Wall Commissioner, overseeing the Monument to Freedom, Justice and Courage at Leon Jordan Memorial Park. The commission recently selected 88 new honorees for the monument, which can recognize up to 100 individuals annually for their contributions to civil rights in Jackson County.
EARLY ROLE MODELS
Her path to public service began in what was then unincorporated Jackson County — present day 53rd and Montgall — where she witnessed her mother’s progression from teenage parent to registered nurse and her grandfather’s role as the neighborhood’s primary handyman. This early exposure to community service shaped her future career choices.
“I grew up used to seeing my family assisting the community,” says Huskey.
After graduating from Southwest High, she attended community college alongside her mother, before earning both her bachelor’s degree and master’s in human relations and family studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY
Her professional career began at AT&T, where she worked for 18 years before taking a buyout. After AT&T, Huskey spent a year substitute teaching before becoming a neighborhood and community liaison for the city in 2007.
For eight years, she built bridges between residents and local government, while researching successful community programs in other cities. This role established her reputation for effective community service and laid the groundwork for her political career.
“I would attend community meetings and provide whatever resources they needed,” says Huskey. “I built relationships between the community and the various departments of the government.”
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Today, Huskey serves on multiple Jackson County legislative committees, including Budget, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (chair), Justice & Law Enforcement (chair), Public Works, Rules, Veterans, and 911 Oversight.
STAYING ACTIVE AND ORGANIZED
Between legislative sessions, she maintains an impressive volunteer schedule. She volunteers with the Folly Theater, Kansas City Rep, KC Symphony, KC Ballet, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, American Jazz Museum, Starlight Theatre, and has worked Kansas City Chiefs games for 15 years.
Her secret to managing such a packed schedule?
“I have one calendar,” says Huskey. “Everything I do is on one calendar – church, volunteer activities, meetings, going out of town, doctor appointments.”
This active lifestyle, she believes, contributes to her good health. For seniors considering retirement, Huskey emphasizes the importance of staying active and maintaining social connections.
“As long as you interact with other people, you need to have some social skills to remain healthy,” says Huskey.
Looking ahead, Huskey shows no signs of slowing down — including still mowing her own yard. Her advice to other seniors is straightforward: stay active, maintain social connections, and find ways to serve others.
“I enjoy interacting with people,” says Huskey. “I’m a servant. That’s who I am in my heart and my head. And as long as I can serve, I will.”
