Some of Kansas City’s most challenged neighborhoods step into the national spotlight today. Top-ranking officials from the Obama administration are scheduled to visit the Green Impact Zone, a 150-square block area on the East Side.

It’s a well-timed opportunity for local officials to persuade the federal government that good plans are coming together to upgrade those low-income neighborhoods, an idea promoted by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.

Many residents also are waiting to hear more details of how local and federal officials propose to create jobs, weatherize houses, improve transit, use energy more wisely in homes and businesses, attract new residents and reduce crime.

All are excellent ideas — and formidable tasks. They will take tens of millions of dollars to properly fund, and so far the Green Impact Zone still lacks most of that money.

Today’s delegation includes Adolfo Carrion, director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs; Shaun Donovan, secretary of Housing and Urban Development; John Porcari, deputy secretary of transportation; and Van Jones, special adviser for green jobs in the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

They are scheduled to go on a walking tour of part of the zone — which includes the Blue Hills, Ivanhoe, Manheim, 49/63 and Town Fork Creek neighborhoods. The challenges faced by residents won’t be difficult to see, including vacant houses along with crumbling city infrastructure.

The Green Impact Zone is not starting from scratch, and Kansas City officials should emphasize that to the federal visitors.

An impressive amount of coordinating work has occurred so far, led by the Mid-America Regional Council. Also, the Area Transportation Authority has started work on a bus rapid transit line along Troost Avenue, bringing speedier transportation and nicer bus shelters to the corridor by next fall.

Local taxpayers are providing up to $1.5 million for officials who will coordinate activities in the zone. And Kansas City Power&Light has proposed a “smart grid” system to help reduce energy use and monthly bills in the neighborhoods.