Transit experts say the World Cup is a ‘stress test’ for Kansas City’s roads and buses. They want to hear from you.
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
FAQ: What the stadium petition means for Kansas City’s plan to subsidize a new Royals ballpark
A group representing low-wage workers submitted petition signatures to force a vote on the city’s $600 million Royals stadium subsidy. Here’s a guide to the road ahead.
Posted inLocal Government
Wyandotte County leaders at odds with Kansas lawmaker over Chiefs stadium decisions
A state lawmaker said the Unified Government’s ordinance to support the Chiefs deal exerts too much power over Kansas negotiations. County leaders believe he’s mistaken.
Posted inElections
Kansas City Council plans to ask voters for these five things in August
Water infrastructure, affordable housing and building repairs: Kansas City wants your permission to borrow $1.7 billion.
Posted inLocal Government
Kansas City Council considers allowing taller buildings on Plaza
A plan to renovate the Country Club Plaza is being reviewed by the City Council. Some neighbors and historic preservation advocates have concerns.
Posted inLocal Government
Empty lots, collapsed roofs and abandoned homes: KC tries to prevent more hollowed-out neighborhoods
‘When you have widespread vacancy,’ said Alana Henry, the executive director of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, ‘it’s reflective of a dying community, and that feeling of stagnation or death can be absorbed by the inhabitants.’
Posted inLocal Government
The Royals ‘think big.’ Proposed stadium at Crown Center would be the fourth-most expensive major league ballpark
The Royals have pitched a $1.9 billion stadium. That’s twice as expensive as Atlanta’s Truist Park and quadruple the cost of Denver’s Coors Field.
Posted inLocal Government
The Kansas City Royals are coming to Crown Center. Here’s how taxpayers are supporting the project
It’s official: the Royals are moving to Crown Center. But it remains unclear how much money Missouri taxpayers will contribute.
Posted inLocal Government
Inside Kansas City’s $600 million bet on a downtown Royals ballpark
If everything goes right, new taxes generated by a $1.9 billion ballpark will help pay off a $600 million city loan to help finance the deal. But if it goes wrong, that money could be drained from city services.
Posted inLocal Government
Kansas City voters overwhelmingly approved the earnings tax. Here’s what’s next
With the earnings tax secured until at least 2031, Kansas City now looks ahead to negotiations with the Royals, looming bond measures for water and housing and the possible referendum to eliminate Missouri’s income tax.