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.
The following ordinances were adopted with minimal debate unless otherwise noted. Votes reflect the final roll call, with any dissenting votes recorded.
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.
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.
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.
The meeting will come to order. Our guest chaplain is Pastor David McDaniel of Holmeswood Church. Would all who can please rise and stand for the invocation and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. No matter what your faith tradition is, I invite you to join a time of prayer and meditation. We stand in this moment that asks something real of each of us. To see beyond ourselves, beyond our own interests and assumptions, and to choose a greater good that holds us all. For these leaders of Kansas City. We pray not just for clarity, but for a wisdom that is willing to be changed. Changed by listening and learning and encountering lives different from their own. Give each of them the courage that rises above the familiar patterns of politics. Call them into ways shaped by courageous purpose, where the common good is pursued with urgency, and justice is carried forward with integrity and care. And remind them that the decisions made especially today will echo into generations to come to come. So bend every choice toward a future that is wider, a future that is more inclusive, a future that is richer with belonging, especially for those not yet at the table. And for each of us in the space today. Stir within us a shared responsibility to choose curiosity over fear, to practice embrace across every line that divides, and to help shape a city where diversity is not a problem to be solved, but is a gift that is still unfolding. May each of us leave this place more committed to one another than when we first arrived. And I pray all of this. Amen. And to the republic. One nation. Under God. Yes, ma'am. Curls. Present. Park Charles. Present. Boo. Here. Doncins. O'Neill. Here. Will it? Present. Franch. Here. Rogers. Paterson Hasley. President. Robinson. Here. Rhea. Present. Bunch. Here. Lucas. Twelve members present. Will the clerk call the special actions? Yes, ma'am. 260344 honoring Victoria Brady for our outstanding achievements in girls' black football and national representation of the NFL FLAG competitions. Victoria and her parents are present to receive special action.