Dr. Melissa Patterson Hazley is a Kansas City native, Kansas City Public Schools graduate, Educational Psychologist, research professional and newly elected Kansas City Council Member representing the 3^rd District at Large.

Professionally, Councilwoman Patterson Hazley conducts research and evaluation projects focused on closing disparities among marginalized populations. Her current research is investigating the continuum of healthcare among African American youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities in partnership with the UMKC-Institute for Human Development and Children’s Mercy Hospital. 

In terms of civic engagement, Councilwoman Patterson Hazley has been intimately engaged in politics having managed several candidates and ballot questions. For example, she managed the earnings tax and health levy renewals and several other ballot questions.

She is particularly interested in economic development having served on several economic development boards and in most cases in a leadership position.She has a special interest in housing including vacant properties/land, financing, tax incentives and policy actions around economic development, workforce, and youth empowerment.

Patterson Hazley is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, is married, and has one daughter. Her family has a cat and a dog.