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Remembering Carol Coe | Revising Tax Abatement | A People's History Podcast

Workers continue construction on the Waddell and Reed's Kansas City headquarters scheduled to be completed in 2020.
Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3
Future development projects in Kansas City, Missouri, may not get tax abatements as large or for as long as those currently granted if proposed amendments are approved by the city council.

The life and legacy of a former Kansas City councilwoman and activist, a Kansas City councilwoman looks to change how the city awards tax incentives and a preview of the second season of KCUR's podcast, "A People's History of Kansas City."

Segment 1, beginning at 00:31: Carol Coe, known as a "fierce warrior" and for speaking truth to power, died February 14, 2021 at the age of 74.

Besides being an attorney, Coe served on the city council of Kansas City, Missouri, established the Green Acres urban farming project and was active in Freedom, Inc. A longtime icon for Black women, the city council honored Carol Coe in October 2020 by naming a bridge in the Third District, which she represented, after her.

  • Eric Wesson, managing editor of The Call

Segment 2, beginning at 8:07: Councilwoman Melissa Robinson wants to see smaller and shorter tax abatements available for development projects so that more money goes to public services like schools, libraries and mental health.

Currently there are a number of agencies in Kansas City, Missouri, that can offer developers tax abatements or incentives. If Robinson's ordinance passes, the amounts and the length of the abatement would be reduced.

  • Melissa Robinson, Kansas City, Missouri, council member representing the Third District.

Segment 3, beginning at 38:35: The popular podcast that tells little-known stories about Kansas City and surrounding areas is back for a second season.

The series focuses on the everyday heroes and visionaries who shaped Kansas City. Last year, People's History of Kansas City told the story of an endangered German dialect being kept alive in rural Missouri and how a seemingly psychic dog lifted people’s spirits during the Great Depression. This year's stories include how Kansas City was nearly names Possum Trot and how before Arthur Bryant or Ollie Gates came on the barbecue scene, there was Henry Perry.

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
As Up To Date’s senior producer, I want to pique the curiosity of Kansas Citians and help them understand the world around them. Each day, I construct conversations with our city’s most innovative visionaries and creatives, while striving to hold elected officials accountable and amplifying the voices of everyday Kansas Citians. Email me at zach@kcur.org.
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.