KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City has been preparing for months to welcome hundreds of thousands of international visitors for the World Cup. The work has included improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, health preparedness, enhancing public safety and more. 

The city's Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity department created a video on how to ensure a welcoming environment for visitors. It highlights fair service... and explains how businesses and employees should treat visitors... including what an unconscious bias can look like. 

The Kansas City International Airport has put up welcome signs as well as other information to help find transportation. Officials are also coordinating the arrivals of the four homebase teams so residents can get excited about the games.  

When it comes to public safety, the KCFD has built a comprehensive plan that includes coordination with local, state, federal and FIFA partners. The KCPD has also been working for months on its plan which includes reinforcements from several states, a $17 million federal security grant and drones. The Jackson County Prosecutor’s office also confirmed to Spectrum News it will be requesting passport holds for non-US citizens charged with serious felonies while in the county. Also, the Kansas City Health department has introduced prevention and education initiatives so that visitors and residents can have a safe and heathy experience.

Local entrepreneurs are also getting a chance to show off their goods. The Open Doors Program paired small businesses with vacant storefronts to provide a space to test concepts and boost vibrancy across the city. There will also be a local business marketplace in the Union Station Grand Exhibition Hall from June 11-July 12 featuring a range of small businesses, creating a one-stop shop for residents and visitors. 

Kansas City officials have also focused on several infrastructure projects. Work includes safety improvements along Southwest Boulevard, Stadium Drive updates near Kansas City Stadium, a dedicated pathway for bicyclists connecting the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park. Also, a pedestrian mall was added to historic 18th Street.