Savannah Hawley-Bates
Missouri Government and Politics ReporterAs KCUR's local government reporter, I’ll hold our leaders accountable and show how their decisions about development, transit and the economy shape your life. I meet with people at city council meetings, on the picket lines and in their community to break down how power and inequities change our community. Email me at savannahhawley@kcur.org.
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The city will now start to finalize the ballpark deal with the Royals, even though the team has not announced Washington Square Park as its preferred location. Kansas City would be on the hook for about $600 million of the $1.9 billion stadium. -
Two of the five city councilmembers who supported major tax breaks for an AI data center were on the ballot Tuesday. Both were ousted in their respective elections by a large margin. -
This is the fourth time since 2010 that voters have renewed the tax by an overwhelming margin. -
Kansas City's spending will remain relatively flat compared to previous years as the city tries to rein in its deficit. Still, some areas, like police spending, have continued to increase. -
Librarians and staff in the Mid-Continent Public Library system have announced their intent to unionize. They want better wages and workplace protections. With more than 700 workers, it could be the largest library union in Missouri. -
A judge sided with the city of Independence and denied residents’ efforts to put massive tax breaks for an AI data center up to voters. -
Kansas City has relied on the 1% earnings tax to pay for much of its budget since it was enacted in 1963. As voters begin to head to the polls, local leaders want them to renew it again. -
Independence, Missouri, residents will vote on April 7 for their next mayor and to fill two at-large city council seats. Recent debates over tax incentives for a massive data center could factor into the election. -
The city of Independence blocked residents from starting a petition that could force a citywide vote after city council approved more than $6 billion in tax breaks. Now opponents are suing to force the process to move forward.
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Kansas City's proposed budget for next year doesn't include any increase in funding for its transit agency. Without more money, the agency warned it may need to cut nearly a third of its routes.
