If the measure passes, Kansas City will continue collecting a 63-year-old tax on Kansas City wages, salaries and profits. If it fails, the city will be forced to find hundreds of millions of dollars — or else make dramatic cuts.
Local Government
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 inMeeting Notes
Transit, public safety and the arts take center stage at Kansas City budget hearing
During the first public hearing on Kansas City’s proposed $2.5 billion budget, residents urged the council to reconsider cuts to neighborhood and arts programs and increase funding for public transit.
Posted inLocal Government
Inside Kansas City’s budget hearings: Here’s what to know
After the finance department warned of a $100 million budget shortfall, Kansas City made some trims. But tough decisions lie ahead.
Posted inMeeting Notes
Wyandotte County discusses World Cup transit upgrades, prepares next phase of Vision Zero
Plans include increased frequency, expanded microtransit and extended weekend bus hours. Commissioners also discussed traffic safety efforts and updates to special event vendor regulations.
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 inHealth
‘I’d be shocked if we didn’t find a few’: Kansas City’s hunt for lead pipes is on
The water department is preparing for in-person inspections of water lines, starting in two northeast neighborhoods this spring. Lead pipes and some galvanized pipes have to be removed.
Posted inLocal Government
‘Last to know’: After being kept in the dark, Unified Government looks for leverage in KCK Chiefs stadium deal
The Unified Government’s STAR bond deal came with a Kansas promise to rebuild and repair three major bridges in Wyandotte County. But some officials say they want more commitments from the team.
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 inMeeting Notes
Wyandotte County greenlights STAR bond participation for proposed Chiefs stadium
Commissioners voted 7–3 to authorize a local tax pledge after being warned a no vote could cost the county leverage in stadium negotiations and state-funded bridge repairs.