For decades, Kansas City has made it mandatory to provide a minimum amount of parking. Planners and advocates say that has helped hollow out the urban core.
Josh Merchant
Josh Merchant is The Beacon's local government reporter in Kansas City. After graduating from Seattle University, Josh earned a master’s degree in investigative journalism from Columbia Journalism School with coursework in data journalism. Josh has contributed reporting to The Seattle Spectator, The South Seattle Emerald and THE CITY in New York. They're a former Beacon intern. At The Beacon, they reported on issues of traffic safety, with a focus on roadway design, as well as tax-incentivized development at a variety of Kansas City agencies. They have lived in Kansas City since 2021.
Posted inElections
On the April 7 ballot: Should Kansas City keep its earnings tax?
If the measure passes, Kansas City will continue collecting a 63-year-old tax on Kansas City wages, salaries and profits. If it fails, the city will be forced to find hundreds of millions of dollars — or else make dramatic cuts.
Posted inState Government
Missouri considers calling on Congress to overturn Citizens United ruling that unleashed big money in politics
A bill filed in the General Assembly would make Missouri the 24th state to call on Congress to overturn Citizens United. The advocacy group pushing for the bill says similar measures have gotten bipartisan support in other states.
Posted inLocal Government
Inside Kansas City’s budget hearings: Here’s what to know
After the finance department warned of a $100 million budget shortfall, Kansas City made some trims. But tough decisions lie ahead.
Posted inLocal Government
‘Last to know’: After being kept in the dark, Unified Government looks for leverage in KCK Chiefs stadium deal
The Unified Government’s STAR bond deal came with a Kansas promise to rebuild and repair three major bridges in Wyandotte County. But some officials say they want more commitments from the team.
Posted inImmigration
Platform Ventures got Port KC tax incentives to build a warehouse. Now they’re selling it to ICE
Platform Ventures pitched a warehouse development as a job creator for south Kansas City. Port KC is concerned that a sale to ICE would undermine job growth in the area.
Posted inLocal Government
Peeling back layers of the Country Club Plaza redevelopment deal
A bargain-basement price. A property tax break. An infrastructure incentive. And a property assessment appeal. The Plaza’s new owners have pushed several financial levers to craft a potentially lucrative redevelopment plan.
Posted inLocal Government
Under new proposal, Jackson County could be the first Missouri county to be split in 150 years
A proposal to remove Kansas City from Jackson County is expected to get a committee hearing. But elected leaders are skeptical that it will gain traction.
Posted inState Government
What Kansas City wants from the Missouri General Assembly in 2026
Kansas City elected officials are bracing for a challenging 2026 legislative session. Here’s what they hope to pass and the obstacles they are anticipating.
Posted inLocal Government
Plaza renovation plan brings hope — and tough questions
A Texas developer is moving forward on its plans to renovate the Country Club Plaza. Its plans include several much taller buildings, as well as better sidewalks and a new public square.