Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information about the county executive’s ability to vote in the Jackson County legislature. Some of the races for the Jackson County Legislature were decided in the August primary election, and one district’s incumbent is running unopposed. But voters in three legislative districts will see a […]
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, Local Government
Who will Jackson County voters pick to represent them in the County Legislature?
After a primary election that already unseated an incumbent, Jackson County residents will see at least six new faces in the nine seats of their County Legislature. In the at-large races, six candidates are competing for three positions. Although each at-large legislator is elected by voters in the entire county, candidates must live in their […]
Posted inElections, Local Government
The winner of this election will lead the Johnson County Commission
After the nonpartisan primary election on Aug. 2, the race for Johnson County Commission chair has narrowed to two candidates: the 3rd District Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and Roeland Park Mayor Mike Kelly. The Johnson County Commission oversees the county government, including a $1.45 billion budget and about 30 county departments. The Johnson County Commission chair […]
Posted inElections, Local Government
“Let our people vote”: Sheriff won’t let voter registration groups inside Jackson County jail
Social justice and voting rights groups in Kansas City have been calling on Sheriff Darryl Forté to allow voter registration activities inside the Jackson County jail for several weeks. But as Missouri’s Oct. 12 deadline to register to vote approaches, Forté’s stance has left advocates confused and frustrated. Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity […]
Posted inElections, Local Government
Here are your candidates for the Johnson County Commission this November
When voters arrive at polling places on Nov. 8 for the general election, Johnson County ballots will include choices for four out of seven members of the county commission. This includes the race for commission chair, who is chosen by all voters in the Johnson County election, as well as three district representatives. The Johnson […]
Posted inHousing, Local Government
Subsidized development in Waldo has 296 new apartments but no affordable housing
Residents of Kansas City’s Waldo neighborhood may soon see changes along a popular commercial strip, where the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s development arm has recommended the first of three approvals for tax incentives for an apartment development at 74th Street and Broadway. The six-story project, called Waldo74Broadway, is expected to contain 296 apartment units as […]
Posted inElections, Local Government
Kansas City’s police budget can be a mystery — even to the mayor
By state law, Kansas City is required to spend at least 20% of its total revenue on its police department. But, unlike nearly every other city in the country, Kansas City’s elected and appointed officials have very little say about how that money is spent. The budget process for all Kansas City departments begins with […]
Posted inElections
Need to change your name and gender marker on your ID? Here’s how
With Election Day around the corner, Kansas residents are getting their documents in order as they prepare to vote. Kansas has required specific forms of voter ID since 2012. For transgender voters, photo ID laws can raise concerns about their safety at poll sites and the ability to have their votes counted — particularly if their […]
Posted inElections, Local Government
Changing your gender marker on a state ID can get complicated
With Election Day around the corner, Kansas City area residents are getting their documents in order as they prepare to vote. In Missouri, a new voter ID law will require government-approved photo identification starting in the 2022 general election. Kansas has required specific forms of voter ID since 2012. For transgender voters, photo ID laws […]
Posted inLocal Government
When you gotta go, you gotta go. But where are all of Kansas City’s restrooms?
Bathroom habits aren’t something that people like to announce to the universe. But among friends and on social media channels, some have expressed frustration at the “public restroom deserts” across the Kansas City metro. In the Westport neighborhood, the only public restroom to be found is in the public library. After the Country Club Plaza […]