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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Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, voters will be asked in November's election whether to approve two new sales taxes: A 1/4-cent sales tax to fund health and homeless services, and a 3/8-cent sales tax to fund parks and road improvements. -
Kansas City Council could redirect certain tax dollars from parking spaces, Westside restaurants, energy companies, and more for the next 30 years to help pay for a new Royals ballpark in Crown Center. The council's finance committee advanced the ordinance on Tuesday. -
Republican Alan Rohlfing and Democrat Stacy Lake are running to be the top executive of Jackson County, Missouri, after years of struggles and controversies in county government. Some of their priorities include property taxes, public transportation, audits and small business services. -
Small-business owners, nonprofit leaders, school board members and a radio host are vying for four positions on the Jackson County Legislature. Here's what to know about their priorities. -
A plumber, an attorney, an incumbent and a health insurance broker are the at-large candidates for the Jackson County Legislature. -
Andrea Bough, who represented the 6th District at-large, has departed the City Council to lead the city’s economic development agency. She is being replaced by former Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McManus. -
The Kansas City Council voted 11-2 to commit $600 million to the Royals for a new ballpark. Here’s a look at the political and financial math behind the deal. -
Kansas City could approve a deal with the Royals within the next two weeks. But the public still doesn’t know where the $600 million will come from or whether the city was successful in negotiating community benefits. -
When Kansas City voters cast their ballots in the Aug. 4 election, Question 1 will ask whether the city can issue $100 million in bonds to fund affordable housing projects. Find out about what the Housing Trust Fund has accomplished in the past and what this bond would do. -
Jackson County is voting for its new county executive this year. All the candidates put property taxes as their top priority. But go beyond that, and the differences creep in.
