Kansas City Council Business Session - June 5, 2025

The Kansas City Council held a business session on June 5, 2025, at 6:30 PM CT. The meeting included approval of minutes from May 8, 2025, a Health Commission presentation on public health funding concerns, and an update on the Violence Prevention Fund. Council members heard testimony from health officials, hospital CEOs, and evaluators, and discussed the impacts of potential federal Medicaid cuts, state-level challenges, and the progress and challenges of the city's violence prevention initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes for the business session of May 8, 2025, was moved and passed unanimously (voice vote).

Discussion Items

Health Commission Presentation on Public Health Funding Concerns

• Presenters: Councilman Duncan, Dr. Marbia Jones (Director, Health Department), Charlie Shields (CEO, University Health), Will Franklin (CEO, KC Care Health Center).
• Key Points:
  • In 2020, Kansas City hospital costs totaled $4.84 billion, with $3.8 billion covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Federal attacks on these programs could leave the city unable to cover the gap.
  • A $630,000+ hold on HIV funding was reported, impacting services for people living with HIV.
  • University Health noted that 40% of its revenue comes from Medicaid, and 50% of its patients are on Medicaid, making it the only true safety net hospital in Missouri.
  • Proposed federal cuts (work requirements and eligibility redetermination every six months) are estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to remove 10.4 million people from Medicaid nationwide and save $700 billion over time, but would likely increase uncompensated care.
  • Recommendations from the Health Commission: protect unappropriated health levy dollars, focus the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) on actionable and measurable strategies, and develop adaptive contingency plans.
• Council Questions: Councilman Raya suggested aligning services with priority-based budgeting. Mayor Purtian requested local data on Medicaid beneficiaries and asked about state-level engagement. Councilwoman Robinson raised payer parity and county support issues.

Violence Prevention Fund Update

• Presenters: Jacqueline Diller (Deputy Director, Health Department), Rashid Janae (Division Manager), Dr. Mariana Kopaya (Evaluator, Justice Systems Partners).
• Key Points:
  • The Violence Prevention Fund was established in March 2023 with $30 million over six years. Current balance: $12 million unappropriated (FY27-28), $5.6 million available for FY26, and $4.8 million carryover from FY25.
  • Funded programs include: Second Chance re-entry (67 participants with violent felony histories, 59.7% secured employment, program cost $400,000 vs. estimated $2 million+ for incarceration), summer youth programs (600 youth in 9 programs), and neighborhood organizations (19 neighborhood associations, 76 events, 3,573 attendees).
  • The Kansas City Community Survey (wave one, end of 2024) sampled 30 randomly selected neighborhoods and 10 high-crime neighborhoods. Findings: Most residents feel safe from serious violence but are frustrated by property crime; social cohesion and informal social control vary by neighborhood.
  • Evaluation challenges: funding distribution delays, lack of data infrastructure for small organizations, and need for better targeting of highest-risk youth. Recommendations include investing in community violence interrupters and improving coordination.
• Council Questions: Councilman Duncan asked about addressing funding distribution challenges (response: added contract managers, training on invoicing). Councilman Raya questioned measurable reductions in crime (response: recidivism metrics to be included in future contracts; re-entry programs show cost savings). Councilwoman Patterson Hasley emphasized the need to show integrated impact across programs. Councilman French noted lack of domestic violence prevention programs. Councilman Curls advocated for incorporating individuals with direct street connections (like Aim for Peace). Mayor Pro Tim inquired about updating the KC Blueprint for Violence Prevention (response: a blueprint strategist is in place to update action steps). Councilwoman Robinson urged implementation over further surveys.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken on the presentations; council members provided guidance and asked for additional data.
• The Health Commission's recommendations will be considered for future budget and policy adjustments.
• The Violence Prevention Fund will continue with ongoing evaluation improvements, including recidivism tracking and expansion of community violence intervention programs.
• A proposed closed session was deferred to the end of the legislative session to allow special action recipients to be present.

Note: No public comments were recorded during this meeting.