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.
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 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.
Posted inLocal Government
Massive tax break for Country Club Plaza would divert $188M in revenue from KC schools over 30 years
A Texas developer wants to revive the Plaza. But the plan could come at a massive cost for Kansas City schools and other government services.
Posted inLocal Government
FAQ: What you need to know about 2025 Jackson County property tax bills
A majority of Jackson County homeowners will see a reduction in their property assessment this year and tax credits for the next three years. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a smaller tax bill.
Posted inLocal Government
As World Cup demands loom, transit leaders face hard decisions to pay for extra bus service
Kansas City has been asking the state and federal government for financial help to pay for extra buses during the World Cup. The clock is ticking, and the transit agency hasn’t gotten a dime.
Posted inElections
Prairie Village voters reject PV United candidates, measure to ‘abandon’ government. What happens next?
All six Prairie Village United candidates lost their races for council seats on Election Day, signaling voter opposition to taking a $30M city hall project to a public vote.
Posted inElections
Wyandotte County election results: Mayor, commissioners and more
Voters in Wyandotte County cast their ballots for a new mayor and four commissioners on Nov. 4. Here’s what happened.
Posted inElections
Everything Prairie Village voters need to know about the ‘abandon’ petition
A yearslong conflict roiling Prairie Village comes to a head as voters cast ballots on whether to abandon the city’s form of government. But the question isn’t necessarily what it seems.