For five years, Kansas City has required developers to provide affordable housing if they get a tax break. The City Council is considering slashing the set-aside fee, effectively gutting that requirement.
Economics
Posted inLabor
Kansas City data centers and AI flip the script on job security
KC’s data center boom is a windfall for construction trades. But the AI powered by those buildings is already reshaping who has job security — and who doesn’t.
Posted inLocal Government
Kansas City hopes to spur new growth by loosening parking requirements
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.
Posted inEconomics
‘People are already behind on their bills’: Missouri utility rates will keep rising as legislation takes effect, experts warn
Missouri utility companies are requesting rate increases using tools approved by lawmakers last year.
Posted inEconomics
‘Blinded by dollar signs’: Independence wrestles with 90% tax abatement for massive AI data center
Independence votes March 2 on a 90% tax abatement for Nebius’ proposed $151 billion data center. Here’s how the deal works and what residents think.
Posted inHousing
Hoping for more affordable housing, Kansas City rolls back energy efficiency codes
Some officials hope less restrictive codes will reduce costs and spur new housing. Others say it will cost residents in the long run.
Posted inLocal Government
Nearly $103M raised through taxes on online sales bypass voter-approved funds in Kansas City budget
Voters have approved seven special revenue sales taxes for things like transit, public safety and infrastructure. But taxes collected on online purchases from out-of-state retailers bypass those uses in the city budget.
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
Unified Government approves up to $450 million in local sales taxes for Chiefs stadium
The deal will divert future sales tax revenue to help support a $3.3 billion stadium and entertainment district.
Posted inHousing
Working homelessness: When ‘getting a job’ isn’t enough in KC
Increasing numbers of sheltered families have jobs while a growing population is caught in the gap between the wages they earn and the cost of housing. It’s a formula for rising homelessness.