Kansas City Council Meeting Summary - August 13, 2026

The Kansas City Council met on August 13, 2026, to consider a wide range of items including resolutions supporting streetcar workers' unionization, recognizing community leaders and organizations, amending transit and minority/women business enterprise programs, and addressing emergency property repairs. The meeting included multiple floor introductions and unanimous votes on most items, with one ordinance passing 11-1.

Consent Calendar

• 260698: Authorized a one-year lease agreement with two renewal options with Regal Health and Wellness for office space at Robert Mohart Center (3200 Wayne Ave). Estimated revenue of $6,966.64. Passed unanimously.
• 260699: Authorized a five-year lease agreement with one renewal option with Vetline or Paper Stock Company for paved parking area south of Missouri River Levee. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

No public testimony was heard during the meeting. Council members noted receiving extensive community input on the M/WBE program changes prior to the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 260703 – Support for Streetcar Workers Unionization: Councilman O'Neill introduced a resolution expressing support for Kansas City Streetcar workers' efforts to unionize with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 55, noting the election was occurring that day. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 260714 – Celebrating the Mecca: Mayor Pro Tem presented a resolution honoring the Mecca initiative, created by Bump Jonas, which provides a platform for artists and entrepreneurs. The resolution highlighted the economic model that returns event proceeds to artists. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution 260721 – Honoring Soleil Padilla: Councilman Raya introduced a resolution honoring the outgoing Consul of Mexico in Kansas City for her diplomatic leadership and advocacy for immigrant communities. Multiple council members praised her work. Consul Padilla expressed gratitude and announced her new role as Director General for North America at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Adopted unanimously.
• Ordinance 260720 – Council Schedule Amendment: Amended the 2026 council schedule to reinstate standing committee and business sessions for the weeks of August 17, September 7, and November 16, 2026, with a $1,000 appropriation for advertising. Passed.
• Ordinance 260722 – Transit Services Agreement Amendment: Authorized an amendment to the 2627 Transit Services Agreement with KCATA, increasing the contract amount by $8,328,910 to maintain transit service levels, with a total not to exceed $94,600 (as stated). Included appropriations from the Public Mass Transportation Fund, Street Maintenance Fund, and KCATA Sales Fund. Council discussed section 9 directing the city manager to replenish the street maintenance fund with any surplus revenue by third quarter. Passed 11-0.
• Resolution on M/WBE Program Community Engagement: Councilman Rhea introduced a resolution directing the city manager to establish an advisory group, conduct stakeholder engagement, and develop a plan for continuous data collection on city contracting and spending, to be presented within 30 days. Adopted unanimously.
• Ordinance 260690 – Repeal of M/WBE Program: Councilwoman Boo presented the ordinance to repeal the existing Minority and Women's Business Enterprise program. Councilman Duncan introduced an amendment to include veteran business enterprises. Councilwoman Robinson and others expressed disappointment but noted the necessity due to constitutional challenges and the need for a new program. The amendment passed, and the ordinance was adopted 12-0.
• Ordinance 260692 – Certified Small Business Enterprise Program: Created a stopgap program using objective eligibility criteria to replace the repealed M/WBE program. An amendment was passed to incorporate additional programmatic changes. Adopted 12-0 after discussion emphasizing the need for a bridge until a new business enterprise program is developed.
• Ordinance 260706 – Community Investment Agreement Amendment: Authorized the release of $525,000 from escrow to pay for city infrastructure costs related to the Overlook redevelopment area, specifically for relocation of a sanitary sewer line. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 260672 – Development Plan for Medical Buildings: Approved a development plan for three medical office buildings (approx. 17,000 sq ft) on 2.6 acres at 9840 N. Cedar Avenue, with 109 parking spaces. Passed unanimously.
• Grant Acceptance – HUD Continuum of Care: Accepted a $589,768 grant from HUD for the Continuum of Care program operated by SAFE Inc., providing rental assistance for homeless persons with HIV/AIDS. Passed unanimously.
• Contract – Household Hazardous Waste Services: Authorized a contract with Arkwood Environmental for operation of the household hazardous waste facility, including mobile collections and emergency response. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 260724 – Emergency Property Repairs: Councilman Rogers introduced an ordinance appropriating up to $500,000 from the Housing Trust Fund for emergency repairs at three properties (135, 132, and 148 North Lawn Avenue). Discussion centered on tenant protections, including the tenant union's role. An amendment was added to ensure compliance with the Tenant Bill of Rights. The ordinance was adopted 11-1, with one council member voting nay.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items passed unanimously.
• Resolutions 260703, 260714, and 260721 adopted unanimously.
• Ordinance 260720 (council schedule) passed.
• Ordinance 260722 (transit agreement) passed 11-0.
• Resolution on M/WBE community engagement adopted unanimously.
• Ordinance 260690 (M/WBE repeal) adopted 12-0 after amendment including veteran business enterprises.
• Ordinance 260692 (small business enterprise stopgap) adopted 12-0 after amendment.
• Ordinance 260706 (community investment agreement) passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 260672 (development plan) passed unanimously.
• Grant acceptance and contract passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 260724 (emergency repairs) adopted 11-1, with direction to comply with the Tenant Bill of Rights.