Josh Merchant
Josh Merchant is The Kansas City Beacon's local government reporter. After graduating from Seattle University, Josh attended Columbia Journalism School, earning a master’s degree in investigative journalism. Originally from Colorado, Josh has contributed reporting to The Seattle Spectator, The South Seattle Emerald and THE CITY in New York. They're a former Beacon intern.
-
When the Jackson County Legislature appointed Phil LeVota as interim county executive, they made him sign a notarized affidavit swearing that he did not intend to run for election in 2026. Fast-forward six months, and LeVota has reneged on that promise and filed paperwork to appear on the ballot. -
For five years, Kansas City has required developers to set aside affordable housing units if they get a tax break — but Port KC undermined that rule by offering its own incentives. Under a proposal by Mayor Quinton Lucas, Kansas City Council is considering slashing the fee by 95%. -
If the measure passes, Kansas City will continue collecting a 63-year-old tax on wages, salaries and profits. If it fails, the city will be forced to find another source for hundreds of millions of dollars — or else make dramatic cuts. -
For decades, Kansas City has made it mandatory to provide a minimum amount of parking spaces for restaurants, businesses and apartments. Planners and advocates say that the high price has prevented empty storefronts from being filled and hollowed out the urban core. -
A bill filed in the General Assembly would make Missouri the 24th state to call on Congress to overturn Citizens United. The advocacy group pushing for the bill says similar measures have gotten bipartisan support in other states. -
After Kansas City's finance department warned of a $100 million budget deficit, city leaders made some trims to spending. But tough decisions lie ahead, as Kansas City opens budget hearings to the public this week. -
The Unified Government’s STAR bond deal came with a Kansas promise to rebuild and repair three major bridges in Wyandotte County. But some officials say they want more commitments from the team. -
Platform Ventures, owned by Ryan and Terry Anderson, pitched a warehouse development as a job creator for south Kansas City. Port KC says the company went behind its back to strike a deal with ICE, which would undermine job growth in the area. -
A bargain-basement price. A property tax break. An infrastructure incentive. A property assessment appeal. The Plaza’s new owners have pushed several financial levers to craft a potentially lucrative redevelopment plan. -
Some eastern Jackson County residents, frustrated that Kansas City has dominated politics in the county, have been pushing for a "Jackxit." It would be the first time in 150 years that Missouri created a new county, although many elected leaders are skeptical it will gain traction.
