Small business owners, nonprofit leaders, school board members and a radio host are vying for four positions on the Jackson County Legislature. Read about their priorities.
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
All Jackson County voters will have a say in these two county Legislature elections
A plumber, an attorney, an incumbent and a health insurance broker. Here are your at-large candidates for the Jackson County Legislature.
Posted inElections
Jackson County has been struggling. Meet the 2026 candidates who want to usher in its next chapter
Property taxes, public transportation, audits and small business services. Here are Alan Rohlfing and Stacy Lake’s top priorities if elected to lead the county.
Posted inLocal Government
Shakeup at City Hall: Kevin McManus is Kansas City’s newest City Council member
Andrea Bough, who represented the 6th District at-large, has departed the City Council to lead the city’s economic development agency. She is being replaced by former Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McManus.
Posted inLocal Government
Port KC approves property tax break for the Country Club Plaza redevelopment
Gillon Property Group will finance the redevelopment using $1.49 billion in bonds issued by Port KC. But Gillon ultimately will be responsible to pay back that debt.
Posted inLocal Government
Kansas City conjured a Royals deal without voter approval. That comes at a price
The Kansas City Council voted 11-2 to commit $600 million to the Royals for a new ballpark. Here’s a look at the political and financial math behind the deal.
Posted inLocal Government
As Kansas City Council rushes towards a Royals stadium vote, key questions go unanswered
Kansas City could approve a deal with the Royals within the next two weeks. But the public still doesn’t know where the $600 million will come from or whether the city was successful in negotiating community benefits.
Posted inElections
FAQ: A ballot question to fund nearly 5,000 affordable housing units
What is the Housing Trust Fund? Will a “yes” vote increase my taxes? What kind of housing would the $100 million help fund?
Posted inElections
Who will represent south Kansas City and Grandview in the Jackson County Legislature?
Current 4th District Legislator DaRon McGee is not seeking reelection, leaving an open seat in the county legislature. Two Democrats and one Republican are campaigning to replace him.
Posted inElections
Two Democrats and two Republicans compete for a seat on Jackson County Legislature
In Jackson County’s 3rd District, covering most of Independence and parts of Sugar Creek and eastern Kansas City, incumbent Charlie Franklin has decided not to seek reelection. These four candidates want to replace him.