Kansas City meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Kansas City Council repeals M/WBE program, adopts new small business program

The Kansas City Council voted Aug. 13 to repeal the city's Minority and Women's Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program and replace it with a new Certified Small Business Enterprises program, directing the city manager to develop the new program and report back in 30 days. The council also approved bids to host the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and FIFA Women's World Cup, and increased the KCATA transit contract by $8.3 million.

City Council actions

At its Aug. 13 meeting, the council passed several major items:

• **Repealed the M/WBE program** (Ordinance 260690, passed as amended) and **enacted a new small business program** (Ordinance 260692, passed as substituted and amended).
• **Authorized a bid proposal for the Men's Rugby World Cup USA 2031** (Ordinance 260663) and **a Host City Agreement for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2031** (Ordinance 260664), plus an airport agreement for the event (Ordinance 260665).
• **Approved a $525,000 release for Overlook TIF infrastructure** (Ordinance 260706).
• **Accepted a $589,768 HUD grant for Shelter Plus Care** (Ordinance 260695).
• **Increased the KCATA transit contract by $8,328,910** (Ordinance 260722).

Earlier, on Aug. 6, the council introduced two ordinances related to a new Royals stadium in the Washington Square Park/Crown Center area: one authorizing agreements for design, construction, and operations with a $20 million bond fund (Ordinance 260704), and another rezoning about 68 acres for a ballpark district (Ordinance 260705). Both were referred to the Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee. The council also approved several contracts and appropriations, including a $2,442,330 water main replacement contract with Kissick Construction, a $2,800,000 HVAC maintenance contract with Lippert Mechanical, a $1,300,000 hydrant/valve assessment contract with Wachs Water Services, $4,000,000 for the Barry and Indiana intersection and Staley High-Northeast Shoal Creek Parkway, and $500,000 for the Forest Avenue Sidewalk project.

Committee actions

The Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee advanced several items to the full council on Aug. 11, including the new small business program (Ordinance 260692), a $525,000 release for Overlook TIF infrastructure (Ordinance 260706), and bids for the Rugby and Women's World Cup events (Ordinances 260663, 260664, 260665). It also advanced leases for the Robert J. Mohart Center and a parking area near the Missouri River Levee. Royals stadium items (Ordinances 260704 and 260705) were held for one week.

On Aug. 4, the same committee advanced a lease for KC Mothers In Charge, a City Council Policy Manual and Handbook, P-Card and Travel Policy addendums, and appropriations of $500,000 for the Forest Avenue Sidewalk Project and $70,000 for water and sewer improvements on Forest Avenue. It held M/WBE program items and World Cup host city agreements until Aug. 11.

Coming up

• **Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee** – Aug. 18, 2026: Will consider a rezoning for a ballpark district near Crown Center, a $148.9 million construction contract for Luminary Park, a $51.6 million bond appropriation for the same project, and an $11 million increase to the transit services agreement with KCATA.
• **Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee** – Aug. 18, 2026: Will review a housing policy resolution, a rezoning at Washington Avenue and Avenida Caesar Chavez, and an amendment to the Parvin Road Corridor Tax Increment Financing Plan. It will also hold a rezoning and development plan for The Hub at 12220 N.W. Skyview Avenue.

Kansas City Council approves $750,000 Housing Accelerator Fund, new vacant-property fees, and $1.7M KCI maintenance contract

The Kansas City Council approved the creation of a $750,000 Housing Accelerator Fund to rehabilitate abandoned and distressed residential properties during its July 30 meeting, marking the most significant spending decision among recent city actions. The Council also established new semiannual fees on vacant properties and approved a $1.7 million maintenance contract for KCI Terminal.

Council decisions — July 30

The Council passed the Housing Accelerator Fund with $750,000 in gap funding, passed as substituted. The fund is aimed at rehabilitating distressed residential properties.

New semiannual vacant-property registration fees were approved, passed as substituted as amended: $200 for chronically vacant nuisance properties, $100–$1,000 for vacant commercial properties, and $100–$200 for vacant unimproved land.

The Council approved a $1,724,737.00 contract with U.S. Engineering Service, LLC for KCI Terminal HVAC and plumbing maintenance.

Additional approvals included:

• $1,000 appropriation for LA28 Olympic Torch Relay preliminary costs.
• Rezoning of 1.7 acres at Belleview Avenue and W. 30th Street from District R-2.5 to downtown mixed use.
• Rezoning of 0.5 acres at 9 E. 49th Street to District B4-5 for an entertainment venue.
• $892,088.60 for the CORE Public Health Functions Grant.
• $305,921.66 STOP Violence Against Women Act grant for the City Prosecutor's Office Domestic Violence Program.

Council decisions — July 23

At its July 23 meeting, the Council adopted the KCI Area Plan (12-1) and repealed the previous plan (10-3). The plan serves as a development guide for the area bounded by city limits, Amity, Highway 152, and the Platte/Clay County boundary.

The Council passed a temporary moratorium on certain property transactions in the 18th and Vine District (11-2). Two ordinances requiring neighborhood notification for alcohol license changes — one for changes in alcohol served (10-3) and one for ownership transfers (10-3) — were also passed.

A $1,000,000 one-year SaaS EMS billing contract with Digitech Computer LLC was approved (11-2). The contract terms are $6.20 per account plus 3.95% of net collected revenue.

The Council updated geographic definitions for entertainment districts (11-2) and recognized the Pembroke Hill girls soccer team and Coach Matthew T. Pritchett (13-0).

Committee discussions — no final votes yet

Several committees met between July 20 and July 28 with agendas published but minutes not yet available, meaning items were proposed or discussed but not necessarily decided.

The Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee on July 21 considered a proposal to create a KCPD Overage Fund for police costs exceeding the 25% budget threshold, with a $5,900,000 appropriation for legal settlements. The same committee on July 28 reviewed a $750,000 Housing Accelerator Fund proposal, bids to host the Men's Rugby World Cup USA 2031 and FIFA Women's World Cup 2031, and a one-year lease for Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey at 1714 E. 18th Street.

The Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee on July 21 proposed creating a Kansas City Data Center Transparency Task Force and discussed the vacant-property fee structure later approved by the full Council. On July 28, the committee reviewed a proposal to call an August 4, 2026, election on the fees, plus rezoning of 1.7 acres at Belleview Avenue and W. 30th Street and a 24-unit townhouse development plan on North Oak Trafficway at Northeast Hill Street.

The Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee on July 28 discussed the $1,724,737.00 KCI Terminal maintenance contract, proposed electric bicycle ordinance amendments, and a request to designate a portion of N. Delta Avenue as "Jim Wright Way."

The KC Neighborhood Advisory Council on July 20 considered nominating Erin Royals as interim Chair and Drew Rogers as Vice Chair, and heard a presentation on the August Housing Trust Fund ballot initiative.

Coming up

• **August 4 — Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee:** Review of a 489-unit Historic Northeast Lofts Condominium plat at Independence Avenue and Hardesty Avenue, rezoning of 7.6 acres at 12220 N.W. Skyview Avenue, and a $166,224 appropriation for the ProspectUs Plan.
• **August 4 — Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee:** Lease with KC Mothers In Charge at 3200 Wayne Avenue, $500,000 for the Forest Avenue Sidewalk project, $40,000 for Forest Avenue water main improvements, and proposed City Travel Policy changes.
• **August 7 — Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners:** Random precinct selection for manual recounts per state regulation 15 CSR 30-10.110.

Kansas City Council reallocates $16.47M housing funds, advances water and streetscape projects

The Kansas City Council approved a $16,470,876 reallocation from the Housing Trust Fund balance to new housing projects at its July 16 meeting, the largest single spending decision among recent city actions. The vote was 9 aye (Lucas, O'Neill, French, Rogers, Bunch, Curls, Parks-Shaw, Bough, Duncan) and 4 out (Willett, Patterson Hazley, Robinson, Rea).

Council actions July 16

The Council also approved a $1,500,000 funding award for the 1815 Paseo Project, passing 11-2 with Robinson and Rea voting out. A $5,922,278 water services contract amendment with AECOM passed on the same 11-2 split.

Other adopted items included a $550,000 streetscape appropriation for Northeast Vivion Road (12-1, Robinson out) and a $1,657,866 contract for Convention & Entertainment Facilities restroom renovations (9 aye, 3 out: Willett, Robinson, Rea).

The Council passed a Westport Overlay District zoning amendment on a 8-3 vote, with Lucas, Curls, and Parks-Shaw voting nay and Willett and Robinson out.

A resolution creating the Kansas City Data Center Transparency Task Force was introduced and referred to committee; no vote was recorded. The Council also adopted a resolution honoring Sam Hennenfent (10 aye, 3 out: Willett, Patterson Hazley, Robinson).

Council actions July 9

At its July 9 meeting, the Council passed an ordinance terminating the Blue Ridge Mall Tax Increment Financing Plan and an ordinance authorizing a lease for Metro KC Fitness in Wolfe Garage. It also passed a $562,250 agreement with reStart, Inc. for family housing and accepted a $64,414 Jackson County COMBAT grant for the Truancy Court program.

Land use amendments were adopted for 2922 Summit Street to residential high density and for Ward Parkway Plaza to mixed-use neighborhood. The Council also passed an ordinance amending the City Code on open meetings and records policy and one reducing the Public Works degradation fee calculation area.

Appointments included Robert Langenkamp and Alisa Robinson as I-70 and Blue Ridge Cutoff Community Improvement District directors.

Committee actions July 7

The Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee advanced the Blue Ridge Mall TIF termination ordinance and a $700,000 transit service agreement amendment with KCATA. The committee held items including a $1.66M contract for Music Hall and Little Theatre restroom renovations (held to July 14), alcohol license notification changes, a five-year lease for Metro KC Fitness in Wolfe Garage, a resolution to study reestablishing the Exchange City program, and an ordinance declaring unlicensed businesses as nuisances. All votes were unanimous or without recorded dissent.

The Neighborhood Planning and Transportation committees posted agendas for July 7 but minutes have not yet been published. Listed items included a $6,583,180 shift to the Central City Economic Development Fund, an 87-acre rezoning for 200 residential lots at North Staley Road and NE Shoal Creek Parkway, a $9,417,389.20 amendment for the Northland Transmission, Pumping and Storage project, and a $7,953,132.45 water main replacement contract.

Coming up

• **July 20 — KC Neighborhood Advisory Council:** Will consider nominating Erin Royals as interim Chair and Drew Rogers as Vice Chair, plus a Housing Department presentation on an August Housing Trust Fund ballot initiative.
• **July 21 — Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee:** Will consider creating a KCPD Overage Fund with a $5,900,000 appropriation for legal settlements, a $1,000,000 one-year SaaS EMS billing contract with Digitech Computer LLC, and a directive to study a Midtown Justice Campus site.
• **July 21 — Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee:** Will consider semiannual vacant-property fees ($200 for chronically vacant nuisance properties, $500-$1,000 for vacant commercial properties, $100-$200 for vacant unimproved land), creation of the Data Center Transparency Task Force, and a resolution approving the KCI Area Plan.

Kansas City Council terminates multiple TIF plans, advances transit funding and lawsuit settlement

The Kansas City Council approved a $425,000 lawsuit settlement and terminated several Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plans during its July 2 meeting, while also advancing transit-oriented development funding and a small business support plan.

Council actions: TIF terminations and settlements

The Council passed the $425,000 settlement of the lawsuit Lashaunda Rowe v. City of Kansas City by a 9-1 vote. It also passed the termination of the 811 Main TIF plan (9-1) and approved the first amendment to the 800 Grand TIF plan (7-2).

A transit-oriented development funding application was adopted 11-0, and a small business support fund plan resolution was adopted 9-1. The Council also adopted several ceremonial resolutions: Grandparents for Gun Safety Day (10-0), recognition of Pastor Branden A. Mims (10-0), and National Immigrant Heritage Month (9-1).

Finance Committee advances Blue Ridge Mall TIF termination, $700K transit agreement

On July 7, the Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee advanced the termination of the Blue Ridge Mall TIF plan on consent and a $700,000 transit service agreement amendment with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority via committee substitute. All votes were unanimous or without recorded dissent.

The committee held several items for further review: a $1.66 million contract for Music Hall and Little Theatre restroom renovations (held to July 14), alcohol license notification changes (ordinances 260612 and 260613), a five-year lease for Metro KC Fitness in Wolfe Garage (260592), a resolution to study reestablishing the Exchange City program (260617), and an ordinance declaring unlicensed businesses as nuisances (260557).

Earlier Finance Committee: open meetings ordinance and multiple TIF actions

On June 30, the Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee approved an ordinance to modernize open meetings and records policy (260510), a committee substitute updating the Risk Management Program (260511), and the $425,000 Rowe settlement (260526). The committee also approved amendments or terminations for six additional TIF plans: the Historic Northeast TIF Plan first amendment (260536), termination of 811 Main (260537), termination of Redevelopment Project Area 12 (260538), Third Amendment to Overlook TIF Plan (260539), termination of Briarcliff West TIF Plan (260540), termination of River Market TIF Plan (260541), and expiration of Tower Properties Downtown TIF Plan (260545). A nuisance business license ordinance (260557) was held for one week, and a committee substitute to initiate receivership for the former Federal Reserve Bank site (260561) was approved.

Infrastructure: sidewalk repairs, water mains, and Northland water project

The Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee considered several major contracts on June 30 and July 7, though minutes have not yet been published. Items on the July 7 agenda included a $9,417,389.20 amendment for Phase 2 of the Northland Transmission, Pumping and Storage project with Burns & McDonnell, a $7,953,132.45 water main replacement contract from Smart Avenue to Van Brunt Boulevard, a $2 million amendment to Vazquez Commercial Contracting for aviation tenant modifications, a $1,497,596.45 sidewalk repair contract with Sarai Construction, and a $550,000 transfer from street resurfacing to the Northeast Vivion Road Streetscape project.

Development and zoning: 200 new homes, KCI Area Plan, $6.58M fund shift

The Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee reviewed rezoning of approximately 87 acres at North Staley Road and NE Shoal Creek Parkway from R-80 to R-6 for 200 residential lots, along with approval of a new KCI Area Plan. A $200 semiannual fee for chronically vacant nuisance properties was proposed, expanded to include unimproved land. The committee also considered a $6,583,180 shift to the Central City Economic Development Fund, rezoning of 55 acres near E. 20th to E. 25th Streets for a hospital campus, a $64,414 Jackson County COMBAT grant for the Municipal Court Truancy Court Program, and zoning code amendments for the Westport Overlay District. Grant items included $3,197,466 for Ryan White HIV services and $1,495,000 for Jazz District III projects. Minutes for these sessions have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Mayor's Commission on Reparations Committee**: Discussion of increased research funding, a review and approval process, legal concerns regarding documentation, and possible public sessions on recommendations. A closed session is scheduled for legal, real estate, personnel, labor, and bidding matters.
• **July 20 — KC Neighborhood Advisory Council**: Nominations of Erin Royals for interim Chair and Drew Rogers for Vice Chair, plus a City Housing Department presentation on the August Housing Trust Fund ballot initiative.

Kansas City committees weigh stadium bonds, 200-home rezoning, and sidewalk contracts — but no votes recorded yet

Kansas City council committees met June 30 to review major infrastructure, development, and public safety items — including up to $235 million in bonds for a stadium expansion and a rezoning that could bring 200 new homes to the Northland. However, minutes from those sessions have not yet been published, so no vote tallies or final decisions are available in the public record at this time.

Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee

The committee's June 30 agenda listed several large-dollar items, though outcomes are not yet recorded:

• Authorization of up to **$235,000,000** in bonds for KC Current stadium expansion.
• A **$425,000** settlement in *Lashaunda Rowe v. City of Kansas City*.
• Creation of a "KCPD Overage Fund" with a **$5,900,000** appropriation.
• Agreements with reStart, Inc. involving **$1,400,000** and **$300,000** transfers.
• A development agreement for single-family housing near Kenneth Road with **$4,000,000** in infrastructure funds.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not possible to report which items were approved, tabled, or amended.

Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee

This committee's June 30 agenda included a major residential rezoning and several grant actions:

• Rezoning roughly **87 acres** at North Staley Road and NE Shoal Creek Parkway from R-80 to R-6 to allow **200 residential lots**.
• Approval of a new KCI Area Plan to replace the previous version and guide future development and public investment.
• A new **$200** semiannual fee for chronically vacant nuisance properties, expanded to include unimproved land.
• A **$3,197,466** grant amendment for Ryan White HIV services and **$1,495,000** for Jazz District III projects.
• Proposed rules allowing 24-hour marijuana dispensaries and updated sign standards for PO, B1, and B2 districts.

Again, no vote tallies or decisions are available in the record.

Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee

The June 30 agenda focused on street and sidewalk projects:

• A **$1,488,612.55** contract with Sarai Construction, Inc. for sidewalk repairs.
• A **$550,000** transfer to the Northeast Vivion Road Streetscape Project.
• An **$800,000** funding agreement for the relocation and reconstruction of N.E. Karapat Drive.
• Designation of "Jim Wright Way" on N. Delta Avenue.
• An amendment to reduce Public Works degradation fees.

No minutes have been published, so the status of these items is not confirmed.

Coming up

Two committee meetings are scheduled for July 7:

• **Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee** — will review termination of the Blue Ridge Mall Tax Increment Financing plan, a **$1,657,866** contract for restroom renovations at Music Hall and Little Theatre (plus a **$250,000** contingency), a **$2,500,000** transfer to the Public Mass Transportation Sales Tax Fund for KCATA transit services, and a five-year lease for Metro KC Fitness to operate a gym in the Wolfe Garage at 320 E. 12th Street.

• **Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee** — will consider shifting **$6,583,180** to the Central City Economic Development Fund, the same 87-acre rezoning for 200 homes at North Staley Road, rezoning 55 acres near E. 20th to E. 25th Streets to MPD for a hospital campus, a **$64,414** Jackson County COMBAT grant for the Municipal Court Truancy Court Program, and amendments to the Westport Overlay District. A closed session for legal, real estate, and personnel matters is also scheduled.

Stadium financing, 200-home rezoning among items reviewed by Kansas City committees

Kansas City Council committees met on June 30 and considered a slate of significant proposals touching on a professional sports stadium, hundreds of new homes, street repairs and public safety, though final votes have not been published as minutes are not yet available.

The Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee weighed a request to authorize up to $235 million in bonds for an expansion of the KC Current’s stadium. That panel also discussed a $425,000 police lawsuit settlement and the creation of a fund to track KCPD budget overages. Meanwhile, the Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee took up a rezoning that would allow 200 residential lots near North Staley Road, and the Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee looked at more than $2.8 million in road and sidewalk projects.

Sidewalk repairs and streetscapes

Transportation and infrastructure officials reviewed three projects with a combined price tag exceeding $2.8 million. The largest item was a $1,488,612.55 contract with Sarai Construction, Inc. for citywide sidewalk repairs. The committee also considered a $550,000 transfer to the Northeast Vivion Road Streetscape Project and an $800,000 funding agreement for relocating and reconstructing N.E. Karapat Drive. A proposal to designate a portion of N. Delta Avenue as “Jim Wright Way” and an amendment to lower Public Works degradation fees also appeared on the agenda.

Northland rezoning and housing plans

The Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee reviewed a proposal to rezone roughly 87 acres at North Staley Road and NE Shoal Creek Parkway from R-80 to R-6, clearing the path for 200 single-family residential lots. A new KCI Area Plan that would guide future development and public investment near the airport was also discussed. In policy matters, members considered a $200 semiannual fee for chronically vacant nuisance properties—now extended to unimproved land—and rules that could permit 24-hour marijuana dispensaries along with updated sign standards for several commercial zoning districts. The committee also had before it a $3,197,466 grant amendment for Ryan White HIV services and $1,495,000 for Jazz District III projects.

Public safety and financial matters

Finance, governance and public safety items included a proposed settlement of $425,000 in a lawsuit brought by Lashaunda Rowe against the city. Officials also discussed setting up a “KCPD Overage Fund” with a $5.9 million appropriation to track police department budget variances. In housing, the committee reviewed an agreement with reStart, Inc. involving two transfers totaling $1.7 million and a development deal that would direct $4 million in infrastructure funds toward single-family housing near Kenneth Road.

Coming up

The Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee will reconvene on July 7 with an eye toward terminating the Blue Ridge Mall Tax Increment Financing plan and dissolving its associated redevelopment funds. Members will also consider an ordinance requiring neighborhood notification when bars change ownership or alcohol license types, a nearly $1.66 million contract for restroom renovations at Music Hall and the Little Theatre (with a $250,000 contingency), and a $2.5 million transfer to the Public Mass Transportation Sales Tax Fund to amend a transit services agreement with KCATA. A five-year lease that would allow Metro KC Fitness to operate a gym in the Wolfe Garage at 320 E. 12th Street is also on the agenda.

That same day, the Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee will return to the 87-acre rezoning for 200 homes on North Staley Road and take up a second major land-use item: a rezoning of 55 acres near E. 20th to E. 25th Streets to a planned development district for a hospital campus. A proposal to shift $6,583,180 to the Central City Economic Development Fund, a $64,414 Jackson County COMBAT grant for a truancy court program, and amendments to the Westport Overlay District zoning code are also scheduled for discussion.