OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Kansas City Council Meeting – April 10, 2026

City Council Legislative Session — Friday, April 10, 2026
BodyKansas City, Missouri
SessionCity Council Legislative Session
DateFriday, April 10, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:18:57

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

The meeting will come to order.

0:01

Our guest chaplain is Pastor David McDaniel of Holmeswood Church.

0:05

Would all who are able to please stand for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:11

I am no matter what your faith tradition is.

0:19

Well, if you don't have a particular faith tradition, I invite you to recognize the sacredness of this moment and this time and join me in time of meditation and prayer.

0:29

Let's pray.

0:32

Creator, I look before you, this council, these leaders of Kansas City.

0:38

I'll let them up to you not as titles or as offices, but as human beings often carrying more weight than what is seen.

0:45

In the moments in which their roles feel isolated than empowering, be near them.

0:51

Break through the loneliness that can surround them, especially those times when every conversation seems to ask something from them, and people always want something from them.

1:01

Gently remind them that they are more than what they provide.

1:05

Draw close with steady presence.

1:08

Surround them with a few trusted companions, people who see them clearly, who speak truth with care, and offer rest for their souls.

1:18

Give them the courage to ask hard questions.

1:21

Not loud courage, but a grounded, steady one that leans towards justice, compassion, and good for the whole city.

1:30

And when the path is unclear, guide them with a clarity and kindness.

1:33

And when the work feels heavy, hold them.

1:36

And for the sake of Kansas City, do not let them carry this work alone.

1:40

For each of us have work to do.

1:42

May all of us err on the side of embrace.

1:45

May we always recognize there's more than our perspective.

1:49

And may we always relate to each and every person through love.

1:53

And I pray all of this.

1:55

Amen.

2:10

Thank you, guys.

2:13

The clerk will call the role.

2:14

Girls.

2:15

President Park Shaw.

2:17

Present.

2:17

Who's Duncan?

2:20

O'Neill.

2:21

Here.

2:21

Willie.

2:22

President French.

2:26

Rogers.

2:28

French.

2:29

Present.

2:30

Rogers.

2:30

Here.

2:31

Patterson Hasley.

2:32

President Robinson.

2:34

Raya.

2:35

President Bunch.

2:37

Lucas.

2:38

Here.

2:41

Well, the clerk, please call the special actions.

2:44

26030, recognizing Financial Literacy Month in Kansas City and honoring Pathway Education Financial Education for its commitment to providing accessible financial education and advancing financial literacy in community.

2:56

Latasha, Jacobs, and others are present to receive special action.

3:07

Hey, please.

3:16

Councilwoman Boo.

3:18

Um, Honorable Mayor, a few weeks ago in Finance Committee, we were um taking up somewhat of a routine matter.

3:25

And um after that, I said this would be a great opportunity to do a special action to recognize Financial Literacy Month in Kansas City and honoring Pathway Financial Education for their commitment to providing accessible financial education and advancing financial literacy in the community.

3:45

Financial Literacy Month has been observed annually since April 2004, with various organizations and institutions offering financial education resources and events to help individuals improve their financial literacy skills.

3:59

The National Financial Education Educators Council defines financial literacy as possessing the skills and knowledge on financial matters to come confidently take effective action that best fulfills an individual's personal family and global community goals.

4:14

Pathway Financial Education is a local organization with a mission of providing individuals and families and under-resourced communities with equity and access to highly credentialed professionals, having expertise in financial planning, tax, law, business management, and business management.

4:32

Founded in 2020, Pathway Financial Education has grown from a grassroots program to a trusted community-based organization delivering financial education and training to thousands of individuals, empowering high school students, adults, and small business owners with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make informed financial decisions.

5:00

Pathway Financial Education is committed to scaling its impact by expanding partnerships with schools, financial institutions, and community organizations while developing innovative programming that closes the gap, closes the wealth gap, and builds generational wealth in Kansas City and beyond.

5:12

Year to date, Pathway Financial Education has supported nearly 900 participants through curriculum delivered in schools, workshops with partner organizations, and through individual engagement, supporting the goals of the communities they serve.

5:26

So it's my pleasure to recognize you and Financial Literacy Month in Kansas City.

5:32

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development███████████████████████23%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████████18%
Environmental Protection████████████12%
Alcohol and Beverage Regulation████████8%
Historic Preservation████████8%
Procedural██████6%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Youth Programs█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Kansas City Council Meeting – April 10, 2026

The Kansas City Council met on April 10, 2026, at 4:45 PM to consider a range of items including special recognitions, a contentious alcohol sales restriction ordinance, affordable housing streamlining, a youth sports facility study, parking code updates, and a landmark designation for Leonard Smith Hall. The meeting also included floor introductions for a Royals stadium negotiation ordinance and other items.

Special Actions

  • Recognizing Financial Literacy Month (Resolution 26030): The Council declared April as Financial Literacy Month and honored Pathway Financial Education for its work providing accessible financial education to under-resourced communities. The organization has supported nearly 900 participants year-to-date. Councilmembers Boo, O'Neill, and Robinson spoke in support. Unanimously adopted.
  • Declaring Dark Sky Week (Resolution 060331): The Council declared the week of April 13–19, 2026 as International Dark Sky Week and directed the city manager to turn off external City Hall lights from sunset to sunrise. Councilmembers Duncan, Rogers, and Bunch highlighted benefits for migratory birds, human health, and energy conservation. Kansas City ranks in the top ten deadliest U.S. cities for bird migration. Unanimously adopted.

Consent Calendar

  • Appointments to Community Improvement Districts (Ordinances 260323 & 260324): Appointed successor directors for two districts. Passed with one nay (O'Neill).
  • Consent Items (Ordinances 260315, 260325, 260326): Accepted federal grants for EEOC, terminated a TIFF project area, and accepted $150,000 for EV charging infrastructure. Passed with one nay.

Discussion Items

  • Retail Alcohol Impact Areas (Ordinance 260520): Designated five geographic areas where retail sale of certain small-format, high-alcohol beverages (e.g., half pints, nips, shooters) is restricted, excluding grocery stores. After debate, the ordinance passed 7–6. Supporters (Councilwoman Robinson, Mayor Lucas) argued it addresses blight and aligns with the Violence Prevention and Healthy Communities Plan. Opponents (Councilmen Raya, O'Neill, Willett, Boo) cited concerns about carve-outs, potential unintended consequences (e.g., shift to higher-alcohol products), and preference for a citywide approach. Councilwoman Boo stated she would introduce separate standalone ordinances.
  • Affordable Housing Permit Navigator (Resolution 260306): Directed the city manager to establish expedited permit approval timelines and a waiver structure for qualifying affordable housing projects, designate a permit navigator, and report on additional housing production strategies. Passed 13–0.
  • Youth Sports Facility Study (Resolution 260322): Directed the city manager to identify property and financing suitable for an indoor youth sports facility capable of hosting hockey, figure skating, volleyball, and other sports, prioritizing access for KCPS and Hickman Mills students, with a 90-day report. Councilwoman Patterson Hasley emphasized economic development in the Third District. Passed 13–0.
  • Parking Code Update (Ordinance 260219): Modified Chapter 88 to reduce minimum parking requirements and streamline code from 18 sections to 7, with on-street management strategies to be developed by Public Works. The ordinance passed 11–2 after extensive stakeholder engagement (dozens of meetings from March to December 2025).
  • Leonard Smith Hall Landmark Designation (Ordinance 260283): Proposed designating the building at 1700 Independence Boulevard as a local landmark. A formal protest petition requiring nine votes was filed. After debate, the ordinance failed 2–11. Opponents (Mayor Lucas, Councilmembers Bunch, Boo, Robinson) cited KCU's 2017 master development plan calling for rehabilitation or demolition, and the need to honor development commitments and signal reliability to developers. Supporters (Councilmembers Willett, Patterson Hasley) cited neighborhood preservation and community input.
  • Vine District Garage Funding (Ordinance 260318): Appropriated $500,000 from the parking fund for signage, cameras, internet access, and parking equipment at the Vine District Garage. Passed.
  • Columbus Park TIFF (Ordinance 260282): Waived certain MBWE requirements for vertical construction of 158 single-family homes. Passed 12–1 (one abstention).
  • Todd Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion (Ordinance 260313): Authorized a $158.18 million contract with Mega KC Corporation for expansion and upgrades, financed via $100 million in bond revenue and $58.18 million from the sewer fund. Passed 13–0.
  • Third Quarter Budget Adjustments (Ordinance 260314): Supplemental appropriations and reappropriations for fiscal year 2526. Passed 12–1.
  • Tri-Share Child Care for First Responders (Ordinance 260317): Accepted $1.5 million from the state and appropriated $3 million total to reduce child care costs for first responders. Passed 12–1.
  • ERP Implementation Contracts: Approved a 20-month, $624,000 piggyback contract with Remy Corporation for project manager services (260320, passed 13–0) and a 19-month, $16.47 million contract with Accenture for system integration (260321, passed 12–1).
  • Condemnation for Road Project (Ordinance 260308): Authorized condemnation for right-of-way on Lee's Summit road improvements. Passed 13–0.
  • Snowblower Purchase (Ordinance 260319): Approved $1.44 million for over-the-road snowblowers via cooperative. Passed 13–0.
  • Bridge Grant Acceptance (Ordinance 260327): Accepted $3 million in state grants for bridge replacements on Environmental Road and Raytown Road. Passed 12–1.

Key Outcomes

  • Votes: The Council passed 15 ordinances and one resolution; one ordinance (landmark designation) failed. Notable vote tallies: alcohol restriction (7–6), parking code (11–2), landmark (2–11).
  • Floor Introductions: Six ordinances were introduced for future consideration:
    • 260339: Authorizing negotiations with Kansas City Royals for a new stadium in the Washington Square Park/Crown Center area, with $250,000 for professional services (referred to Finance).
    • 260340: Appropriating $5.9 million for police legal settlements (referred to Finance).
    • 260341: Adopting updated Major Street Plan, Street Design Guide, and Vision Zero Action Plan (referred to Transportation).
    • 260342: Transferring permitting functions from Water Services and Public Works to City Planning and Development (referred to Neighborhood Planning).
    • 260343: Authorizing $517,846 for capital improvements (referred to Neighborhood Planning).
  • Next Steps: Several ordinances were advanced to final reading, and a motion to hold one item (related to floor introduction) was approved. The meeting adjourned after approximately 2.5 hours; the Council noted ongoing HVAC issues.

Meeting Transcript

The meeting will come to order. Our guest chaplain is Pastor David McDaniel of Holmeswood Church. Would all who are able to please stand for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. I am no matter what your faith tradition is. Well, if you don't have a particular faith tradition, I invite you to recognize the sacredness of this moment and this time and join me in time of meditation and prayer. Let's pray. Creator, I look before you, this council, these leaders of Kansas City. I'll let them up to you not as titles or as offices, but as human beings often carrying more weight than what is seen. In the moments in which their roles feel isolated than empowering, be near them. Break through the loneliness that can surround them, especially those times when every conversation seems to ask something from them, and people always want something from them. Gently remind them that they are more than what they provide. Draw close with steady presence. Surround them with a few trusted companions, people who see them clearly, who speak truth with care, and offer rest for their souls. Give them the courage to ask hard questions. Not loud courage, but a grounded, steady one that leans towards justice, compassion, and good for the whole city. And when the path is unclear, guide them with a clarity and kindness. And when the work feels heavy, hold them. And for the sake of Kansas City, do not let them carry this work alone. For each of us have work to do. May all of us err on the side of embrace. May we always recognize there's more than our perspective. And may we always relate to each and every person through love. And I pray all of this. Amen. Thank you, guys. The clerk will call the role. Girls. President Park Shaw. Present. Who's Duncan? O'Neill. Here. Willie. President French. Rogers. French. Present. Rogers. Here. Patterson Hasley. President Robinson. Raya. President Bunch. Lucas. Here. Well, the clerk, please call the special actions. 26030, recognizing Financial Literacy Month in Kansas City and honoring Pathway Education Financial Education for its commitment to providing accessible financial education and advancing financial literacy in community. Latasha, Jacobs, and others are present to receive special action. Hey, please. Councilwoman Boo.

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