Jackson County

The Jackson County Legislature wants to find out how much it could get for a beloved, undeveloped piece of land south of Swope Park. Environmentalists, rock climbers and hikers are furious because its geology and ecology are very rare in the area.

Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota asked a federal judge to dismiss the four-count bribery indictment against him. He claims it was just “the everyday trading of political acts.”

Jackson County and Missouri have battled each other in court for years over the county’s botched 2023 assessment process. The settlement brings those to a close as the county sends out this year's tax bills.

On the Missouri side, some voter numbers were comparable to 2022, but early voting skyrocketed.

Jackson County municipalities asked voters to renew or implement a handful of new government programs and taxes, including a longstanding anti-crime sales tax. However, not all of them passed.

Democrats won all four countywide races in today’s Jackson County elections. The new Legislature will almost completely turn over on Jan. 1.

Republican incumbent Scott Fitzpatrick will serve another term as Missouri’s state auditor after winning Tuesday’s election. During his first term, he examined Jackson County’s property tax assessments and public school districts.

The investigation will examine how appeals are assigned to two boards and whether the system treats property tax owners fairly. Earlier this year, Scott Fitzpatrick's office released an audit of Jackson County's process, leading to a proposed $250 million settlement.

In the Nov. 3 election, Missouri voters will decide whether 15 judges, including a supreme court justice and appellate court justice, will keep their seats. Here's what to know about the retention process and the judges up for a vote around Kansas City.

Jackson County voters on Nov. 3 will decide whether to renew the county’s 1/4-cent anti-crime sales tax, known as COMBAT. The tax generates between $25-30 million per year to support the county's crime and drug prevention efforts.

Jackson County voters will decide whether to renew the county’s quarter-cent anti-crime sales tax, known as COMBAT. The tax generates between $25 and $30 million per year to support the court system, county prosecutor’s office and law enforcement agencies. Dozens of nonprofits also receive grants.

The makeup of the Jackson County Legislature will change dramatically after the November election, with seven of nine seats getting new representatives. There are also no returning faces in the race for Jackson County executive, after years of scandal and controversy over property taxes.