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

By Steve Kraske,
Mackenzie Martin, Zach Wilson, Danie Alexander
Published February 17, 2021 at 9:40 PM CST
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.

Tags
Up To Date Talk ShowKansas City CouncilActivismFreedom Inc.remembrancesGovernmenttax abatementdevelopmenthistoryKansas City HistoryPodcast
Steve Kraske
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.
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Mackenzie Martin
Whether it’s something happening right now or something that happened 100 years ago, some stories don’t fit in the short few minutes of a newscast. As a podcast producer and reporter at KCUR Studios, I help investigate questions and local curiosities in a way that brings listeners along for adventures with plot twists and thought-provoking ideas. Sometimes there isn’t an easy answer in the end – but my hope is that we all leave with a greater understanding of the city we live in. Reach me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
See stories by Mackenzie Martin
Zach Wilson
As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.
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Danie Alexander
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.
See stories by Danie Alexander