Kansas City Council Meeting - April 16, 2026

The Kansas City Council met on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, adoption of numerous ordinances, a major debate on the Kansas City Royals stadium negotiations, and reconsideration of the Retail Alcohol Impact Areas ordinance. All votes are recorded from the official minutes.

Special Actions

• Resolution 260344 – Honoring Victoria Brady for achievements in girls' flag football and national NFL FLAG representation. Adopted unanimously (12-0, Mayor Lucas out).
• Resolution 260345 – Recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Kansas City. Adopted unanimously (12-0, Mayor Lucas out).
• Resolution 260346 – Recognizing April 2026 as Second Chance Month in Kansas City. Adopted 10-3 (Lucas, Willett, Duncan out).
• Resolution 260361 – Recognizing April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week. Introduced as floor special action and adopted unanimously (12-0, Willett abstaining).

Same Day Resolution

• Resolution 260358 – Directing the City Manager to evaluate potential relocation sites for the Korean War Memorial, with emphasis on high visibility and scenic value. Adopted 13-0. Councilmember Willett noted veterans' support and proactive planning amid stadium discussions.

Consent Calendar

The following ordinances were adopted with minimal debate unless otherwise noted. Votes reflect the final roll call, with any dissenting votes recorded.

• 260277 – Amending street vending prohibition to 300 feet from established businesses during operating hours (from 50 feet). Passed 13-0.
• 260334 – Approving $2,030,048 in Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund contracts for 246 nonprofit organizations. Passed 12-1 (Willett nay).
• 260335 – Enacting a Kratom retail license with $500 annual fee, age and labeling restrictions. Passed 13-0.
• 260337 – Rezoning 3.5 acres at North Broadway and NW Barry Road to B2-1 for a drive-through. Passed 13-0.
• 260338 – Detaching 4.5 acres for annexation by Liberty, Missouri (church property). Passed 13-0.
• 260342 – Transferring permitting functions from Water Services and Public Works to City Planning and Development. Passed 12-1 (Curls nay).
• 260343 – Appropriating $517,846 for stabilization of historic structure at 1815 Paseo. Passed 13-0.
• 260312 – Authorizing one-year contract renewal with LAZ Parking for parking management services (estimated >$1M). Passed 11-1-1 (Willett nay, Robinson out).
• 260328 – Authorizing $1,500,000 contract with SHEDIGS IT, LLC for Forcemain Assessment. Passed 12-0 (Robinson out).
• 260329 – Authorizing $4,000,000 design contract with Burns & McDonnell for Brookside Phase 5 sewer separation. Passed 12-0 (Robinson out).
• 260333 – Authorizing $6,000,000 for Green Infrastructure Maintenance Program. Passed 10-2-1 (Willett nay; Patterson Hazley and Robinson out).

Discussion Items

Kansas City Royals Stadium Negotiations (Ordinance 260339)

Council considered a committee substitute reaffirming intent to negotiate with the Royals for a new stadium and development district in the Washington Square Park/Crown Center area. The ordinance authorized the City Manager to negotiate a term sheet, lease, and development agreement, apply for TIF, and appropriate $250,000 for professional services.

Amendment by Councilmember Duncan – Required that the development agreement and any community benefits agreement be subject to City Council approval. The amendment passed 13-0.

Final vote on amended ordinance – 11 ayes (Lucas, O'Neill, French, Rogers, Patterson Hazley, Robinson, Bunch, Curls, Parks-Shaw, Bough, Duncan), 1 nay (Willett), 1 abstain (Rea). Supporters cited economic development, state funding availability, and community benefits. Opponents expressed concerns about taxpayer risk and process.

KCPD Overage Fund and Settlement Funding (260065 and 260340)

Two related items: 260065 creates a KCPD Overage Fund for police legal costs beyond the 25% statutory budget threshold, and 260340 appropriates $5,900,000 from the Legal Expense Fund for KCPD legal settlements. Councilmember Robinson moved to go into closed session (pursuant to §610.021.1 RSMo) to discuss the litigation underlying the settlements. The motion passed 11-1 (Willett nay). After returning to open session, the items were held for one week without objection. Councilmember Willett opposed the overage fund structure, advocating for full police funding without creating a separate classification.

Retail Alcohol Impact Areas – Reconsideration (Ordinance 260250)

Council reconsidered ordinance 260250, which designates areas with acute public safety impacts from retail package alcohol sales and places conditions on licenses. The original version was passed at the previous meeting.

First amendment by Councilmember Bough – Reduced the number of impact areas from five to three (removing the Midtown corridor and initially the Blue Ridge corridor). The amendment also adjusted malt beverage restrictions to 40 ounces or less and set a 60-day effective date. After debate, Councilmember Bough restored the Blue Ridge corridor per requests from 5th District members. Councilmember Rogers attempted to further lower the malt beverage limit to 12 ounces, arguing that small liquor bottles are the main concern and that beer restrictions cause revenue loss without addressing the problem. That amendment failed 5-7. The amended ordinance passed 9-3 (French, Rogers, Rea nay).

Positions: Councilmember Robinson (3rd District) supported the larger limit, citing problems with tall boys. Councilmember Bough emphasized evidence-based targeting. Councilmember Rogers advocated for a narrower approach. Several members noted that the ordinance is a starting point and can be refined.

Key Outcomes

• Royals stadium negotiations authorized; city manager to bring back development agreement for council approval.
• KCPD settlement funding held for one week; council will revisit on April 23, 2026.
• Alcohol impact zones approved for three areas (Blue Ridge corridor, 3rd District area, and another area) with 40-ounce malt beverage limit and 60-day effective date.
• All consent calendar ordinances adopted as noted.
• Several first-read ordinances were referred to committees (e.g., HUD Section 108 loan pilot, TIF plan for 435 & Soccer Drive, water infrastructure contracts).
• The council went into closed session under §610.021.1 RSMo to discuss legal matters related to police settlements.