City leaders directed staff to identify ways to expand shelter capacity, strengthen outreach and connect unhoused residents to hospitality jobs ahead of the World Cup. The committee also approved a 6% increase to water and sewer rates.
world cup
City workers and residents speak out at Kansas City’s final community budget hearing
Public comments in the Northland focused on transit funding, arts support, violence prevention programs and wages for city employees.
Residents weigh in on transit and World Cup spending at Kansas City’s second budget hearing
Comments focused on public transportation, violence prevention and proposed cuts to nonprofit programs in the city’s proposed $2.5 billion budget, with some also questioning World Cup-related transit and infrastructure priorities.
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.
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.
City Plan Commission advances World Cup signage rules
The amendment allows temporary building signage for major events, up to 80,000 square feet. The commission also approved plans for a bond project at New Mark Middle School.
Kansas City moves forward on $3.83 million temporary modular jail facility
The Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee approved funding and waived LEED Gold energy efficiency requirements for the project to be built in time for World Cup, while also sending two major measures to the April ballot.
As World Cup demands loom, transit leaders face hard decisions to pay for extra bus service
Kansas City has been asking the state and federal government for financial help to pay for extra buses during the World Cup. The clock is ticking, and the transit agency hasn’t gotten a dime.
Reservation for 650,000: Kansas City’s hospitality industry braces for World Cup workforce scramble
With more than 6,000 open food service job listings and no coordinated plan to address staffing, Kansas City restaurant leaders worry they won’t be ready for the massive influx of World Cup visitors in 2026.
Hotel rooms, buses and liquor laws: Is Kansas City ready for the 2026 World Cup?
Here are five key issues that Kansas City will need to get right when it hosts the World Cup in one year.