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.
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Kansas City’s state-controlled police board is trying to use the courts to increase police funding. Advocates are worried it could strain the city's resources even further, while failing to improve police services. -
Nearly six years and $1.5 billion later, the new KCI terminal is set to open at the end of February. But the cost estimate has expanded greatly since the project was approved by Kansas City voters in 2017.
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KCATA's development arm aims to create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with easy access to public transit. But some Kansas City leaders are concerned about the agency's use of tax incentives — and lack of affordable housing requirements.
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Supporters of state control say the system was established to limit political influence on the police department in the 1930s. But the 150-year history of state control dates back to the Civil War.
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The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners oversees a $268 million budget and regularly discusses important matters in closed session.
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Under Kansas City's Tenants Bill of Rights, rental housing must have functional heating, sewage, hot water, plumbing and electrical fixtures, and any provided appliances must remain functional. The Healthy Homes program can compel a landlord to resolve any violations.
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Critics say that the streamlined tax incentive process under Ordinance 220701 would prevent Kansas City residents from providing input on developments that could affect their children’s schools or their own cost of housing.
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If approved, Question 2 on the citywide ballot would authorize Kansas City to issue a $50 million bond, which could help fund more than 2,000 new affordable housing units. But the measure does not include continual funding for the city's housing trust fund.
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If she defeats incumbent Frank White, Theresa Cass Galvin would be the fourth county executive in eight years and the first Republican to win in decades.
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Voters will have a choice for legislative representatives in Jackson County's 1st District, which includes western and eastern swaths of Kansas City, and the 6th District, which includes Lee’s Summit.
