OpenPublica

Accountability starts with access.

© 2026 · Filed for the public record

Use casesAboutAPIPrivacyTermsLinkedIn
Home/Kansas City, Missouri/City Council Legislative Session
OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Kansas City Council Meeting on September 24, 2026: Tax Levy Fails; Housing Development Corporation Held

City Council Legislative Session — Thursday, September 24, 2026
BodyKansas City, Missouri
SessionCity Council Legislative Session
DateThursday, September 24, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:46:59

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:00

We may lead a peaceful and quiet life godly and dignified in every way.

0:05

Let's pray.

0:07

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Kansas City, the gift of our city, and for every person who has chosen to serve it.

0:15

Today we pray especially for the members of this city council and for all who carry the responsibility of leadership.

0:22

Give them wisdom to understand complex issues, humility to listen carefully, courage to make difficult decisions, and compassion for the people those decisions will affect.

0:36

Help them to pursue what is good, what is honorable, what is true and just.

0:41

Give them the ability to work together across differences and to seek the flourishing of every neighborhood and every person who calls Kansas City home.

0:50

Father, bless our first responders, our educators, our businesses and churches, our families, our community leaders.

0:58

May Kansas City increasingly be a place of peace, opportunity, and hope.

1:03

And may those who lead us be strengthened for the work that you have placed before them today.

1:08

It's in Jesus' name we pray.

1:09

Amen.

1:27

The clerk will call the role.

1:32

Thank you very much.

1:33

Big man is President Duncan.

1:36

Will it be President French here?

1:39

Rogers.

1:40

Patterson Hasley.

1:41

President Robinson.

1:44

Eric Bunch.

1:46

Lucas.

1:47

Here, the members present.

1:49

It's called a special action.

1:52

Or is there a motion?

1:53

Yes.

1:59

Do we have a motion on the special action?

2:08

Who uh Mayor Pro Temer, you're doing this special action.

2:11

We're in need of uh thank you.

2:13

Honorable mayor, I move the ordinance.

2:16

Oh, I'm sorry.

2:17

I request the clerk receive document and read a special action prepared too late to be included on today's document.

2:23

The clerk will receive the resolution, sign a number and read the title.

2:26

The number is going to be 260891.

2:28

Recognizing neighborhood leaders in celebration of National Good Neighbor Day.

2:40

Yeah, I appreciate it.

2:41

Thank you.

2:43

Thank you.

3:01

Do we have any other we need to see?

3:06

I think this is the only one.

3:08

We'll move forward immediate.

3:09

I mean, is this not on the docket, right?

3:14

Right.

3:14

So we probably need to uh wave some things.

3:19

So you would move for the immediate adoption of the resolution, I would think.

3:24

We just requested the clerk read receive it I don't prepare too late to be on today's talk to act on that.

3:30

Do we need something else?

3:32

No.

3:34

Okay.

3:34

Because then we'll have it vote by acclamation, and that will come.

3:37

Because we don't need to waive anything because this is the only one.

3:39

Copy.

3:40

All right.

3:40

Go ahead, Mayor Protect.

3:42

Thank you, Honorable Mayor.

3:42

It is my honor to stand in honor of National Good Neighbor Day, which this year's theme is 250 million acts of kindness in recogn in recognition of America's 250th anniversary.

3:56

We have with us today good neighbors from across our city who are celebrating the hard work that they do every day to uplift their neighborhoods.

4:08

I want to take a moment to thank our director, Forrest Decker, and all of the neighborhoods department for the excellent work they do, continuing to uplift all of these neighborhood leaders and neighborhoods across our city.

4:24

When I think about what a good neighbor means, I think about uh my neighbor back when I was, I don't know, I probably probably had to be five, maybe six years old, uh, our next door neighbor, Willie James, who still lives on 39th Street, and I remember him taking me under his wing, showing me how to fish, uh, and I remember this huge snapping turtle that that he caught.

4:47

I mean, it was huge.

4:49

And it's you know, some of the fine memories that I have as a kid are because of him being a good neighbor.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Use Planning█████████████████████21%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Fiscal Sustainability████████████████16%
Affordable Housing████████████████16%
Economic Development███████████11%
Community Engagement█████5%
Youth Programs█████5%
Budget Equity Analysis███3%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Kansas City Council Meeting on September 24, 2026: Tax Levy Fails; Housing Development Corporation Held

The Kansas City Council met on September 24, 2026, to consider a range of legislative items including resolutions, ordinances, and a special recognition. Key outcomes included the failure of a proposed tax levy increase, the adoption of numerous planning and zoning approvals, and a hold on a resolution to create a housing development corporation. The meeting began with an invocation and roll call, followed by a special action celebrating National Good Neighbor Day.

Special Action

  • Resolution 260891 was adopted by acclamation recognizing neighborhood leaders in celebration of National Good Neighbor Day (September 28). Mayor Pro Tem spoke in support, and a representative from the neighborhood leaders thanked the council.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Following the adoption of the Good Neighbor Day resolution, a representative of the neighborhood leaders addressed the council, expressing gratitude for the recognition and emphasizing the collaborative work of neighborhood leaders to meet diverse needs and increase safety and livability.

Discussion Items

Tax Levy Ordinance (FY26-27 Property Tax Rates)

  • The ordinance sought to adjust tax levy rates based on updated assessed values from the four counties. Assistant City Manager Tammy Queen explained that assessed values generally decreased, necessitating a levy rate increase to maintain budgeted revenue. The new rates would generate an additional $5 million citywide (about $15 additional per $200,000 home). After extensive debate, several council members argued against increasing taxes on residents while the city continues to provide tax incentives to corporations. Councilwoman Duncan and Mayor Pro Tem expressed opposition. The ordinance failed with a vote of 5 in favor and 7 against (5 yes, 7 no). The city will revert to rates adopted in March 2026, resulting in a $3 million revenue shortfall across the general, health, and museum funds.

Housing Development Corporation (Resolution 260860)

  • Resolution authorizing the city manager to negotiate an agreement to establish a housing development corporation in partnership with EDCKC and the Housing Authority. Proponents argued it would enable the city to strategically develop underutilized public land, leverage financing tools, and increase housing production. Councilmembers debated whether this duplicates existing entities (land bank, homesteading authority) and expressed concerns about lack of detail on governance, revenue allocation, and impact on east side development. After discussion, the resolution was held for two weeks to allow further education and refinement.

Child Care Pilot Program Expansion (Ordinance 26065)

  • The ordinance authorized a one-year contract renewal (up to $3 million) with Child Care Aware for the tri-share child care pilot program, initially for first responders. An amendment was adopted to allow the program to be expanded to all city employees. Councilman Duncan asked about administrative costs and low enrollment (79 children). Mayor Pro Tem explained that the small number was due to income limits and short program duration; the expansion aims to support recruitment and retention. The amended ordinance passed unanimously (12-0).

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution 260748: Directing the city auditor to review council directives from August 1, 2023, to present. Passed 7-5 after Councilman Rogers expressed opposition, stating the city manager had already addressed the issue via email.
  • Ordinance 260682: Approving an amendment to the KCI Area Plan on about 23 acres at 12220 NW Skyview Avenue. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260809: Approving an amendment to the Red Bridge Area Plan on about 3.2 acres at NE corner of E. 108th Terrace and Scott Road. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260855: Approving an amendment to the Blue Ridge Area Plan on about 26 acres at 8200 E. 63rd Trafficway. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 26074: Approving the final plat of KCIO 6 Addition in Clay County. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260823: Accepting an $80,000 grant from University of Kansas for injury prevention. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260837: Approving the plat of The Villas at Mesta Second Plat. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260838: Approving settlement of city’s claims against Hyundai and Kia regarding vehicle theft; proceeds to violence prevention fund. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260743: Authorizing amended funding agreement with Starlight Theatre for improvements (up to $3.5 million city bridge funds). Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260834: Approving establishment of the Riverfront Community Improvement District. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260857: Authorizing lease extension for Midwest Real Estate Development at 8250 NE Underground Drive (10 years). Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260655: Approving major amendment to development plan for 24-unit townhouse on N. Oak Trafficway. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260677: Rezoning about 23 acres at 12220 NW Skyview Ave from AGR to B4-1 (abating zoning violations). Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260810: Rezoning 3.2 acres at E. 108th Terrace and Scott Road from R-7.5 to R-1.5 for a 16-unit adult group home (assisted living/memory care). Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 26024: Approving development plan for second building at Dream Machines of KC on 40 Highway. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 26025: Approving development plan for tree recycling facility at 9001 Troost Ave. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 26026: Rezoning 0.25 acres from M3-5 to DX10 for 25 residential units and ground-floor commercial. Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance (unnumbered): Rezoning and development plan for 8200 E. 63rd Trafficway from B4-2 to M1-3 for industrial use (228,000 sq ft warehouse). Passed 12-0.
  • Ordinance 260819: Authorizing $17.78 million construction contract for AOA fence replacement at KCI Airport. Passed 11-0.
  • Ordinance 260820: Authorizing $11.89 million construction contract for water department emergency asphalt and concrete restoration. Passed unanimously.
  • Ordinance (unnumbered): Authorizing $3.86 million construction contract for pedestrian bridge over US 169 as part of Route 152 trail. Passed with 10 ayes.

Key Outcomes

  • Failed Ordinance: The tax levy ordinance (to set FY26-27 property tax rates) failed 5-7. The city will use rates from March 2026, resulting in an estimated $3 million revenue shortfall.
  • Held Resolution: Resolution 260860 (housing development corporation) was held for two weeks for further discussion.
  • Adopted Items: All other items as listed under Consent Calendar were adopted with strong majorities.
  • Special Recognition: National Good Neighbor Day resolution adopted by acclamation.

Meeting Transcript

We may lead a peaceful and quiet life godly and dignified in every way. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Kansas City, the gift of our city, and for every person who has chosen to serve it. Today we pray especially for the members of this city council and for all who carry the responsibility of leadership. Give them wisdom to understand complex issues, humility to listen carefully, courage to make difficult decisions, and compassion for the people those decisions will affect. Help them to pursue what is good, what is honorable, what is true and just. Give them the ability to work together across differences and to seek the flourishing of every neighborhood and every person who calls Kansas City home. Father, bless our first responders, our educators, our businesses and churches, our families, our community leaders. May Kansas City increasingly be a place of peace, opportunity, and hope. And may those who lead us be strengthened for the work that you have placed before them today. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. The clerk will call the role. Thank you very much. Big man is President Duncan. Will it be President French here? Rogers. Patterson Hasley. President Robinson. Eric Bunch. Lucas. Here, the members present. It's called a special action. Or is there a motion? Yes. Do we have a motion on the special action? Who uh Mayor Pro Temer, you're doing this special action. We're in need of uh thank you. Honorable mayor, I move the ordinance. Oh, I'm sorry. I request the clerk receive document and read a special action prepared too late to be included on today's document. The clerk will receive the resolution, sign a number and read the title. The number is going to be 260891. Recognizing neighborhood leaders in celebration of National Good Neighbor Day. Yeah, I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Do we have any other we need to see? I think this is the only one. We'll move forward immediate. I mean, is this not on the docket, right? Right. So we probably need to uh wave some things. So you would move for the immediate adoption of the resolution, I would think. We just requested the clerk read receive it I don't prepare too late to be on today's talk to act on that. Do we need something else? No. Okay. Because then we'll have it vote by acclamation, and that will come. Because we don't need to waive anything because this is the only one.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com