Could World Cup fans camp out in Kansas City? The Beacon explores what’s behind the idea, what campgrounds are seeing and how cities plan to respond.
Housing
Posted inRural
Tenants unions gain ground across Missouri as renters fight for affordable housing
Renters across Missouri are forming tenants unions to fight rent increases, evictions and limited affordable housing options.
Posted inHousing
Priced out: KCPS eyes vacant historic school building for teacher housing in Brookside
KCPS is exploring converting the vacant Bryant School in Brookside into affordable housing for teachers — but the idea faces challenges.
Posted inHousing
Mayor Quinton Lucas proposes major rollback of Kansas City’s landmark affordable housing policy
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.
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 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 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.
Posted inHousing
Boarded buildings, displaced families: KC’s Olive Park Village residents forced out
Olive Park Village residents confront displacement as Kansas City cracks down on federally debarred Millennia Housing Management over deteriorating conditions.
Posted inState Government
Missouri lawmakers will grapple with property tax system in 2026
As property owners contend with rapidly rising assessments and higher tax bills, state lawmakers say they want to change the system and provide some property tax relief.
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.