Kansas City Council

During a public budget hearing, Kansas City Police budget officials told city council that $3.5 million would be enough to cover legal expenses. Two months later, the board announced $18.1 million in lawsuit settlements — a surprise to city officials, who don't have any control over the department.

The Kansas City Council has found its next city manager. Get to know Mario Vasquez, the first Latino to permanently hold one of most powerful positions in the city. Plus: Stay up to date with the latest political headlines from around the region.

The city council approved a plan that will begin the process of building a temporary jail facility. The trailer-like buildings will be completed before the World Cup and will house detainees until the city’s permanent jail is built.

Kansas City Council voted last week to make Mario Vasquez, a longtime city employee, as the new city manager. Vasquez joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss his new role and his vision for Kansas City.

Big decisions loom at Kansas City Hall — including preparations for next year’s World Cup matches, building a new city jail and managing a budget amid financial uncertainties.

Mario Vasquez is the first Latino person to permanently hold the role. The city manager is one of the most powerful positions in Kansas City, and Vasquez will have to balance large projects with regaining the public’s trust.

Despite years of organizing and more than 12,000 petition signatures, Mayor Quinton Lucas placed a hold this week on an ordinance that would rename Troost Avenue to “Truth Avenue.” The street is named after Dr. Benoist Troost, Kansas City's first physician and a known slaveowner.

The ProspectUS plan lays out guidelines for the city to invest in the neighborhoods along Prospect Avenue — without displacing neighbors who live there.

Kansas City will fund its rideshare program for another month while city council determines a long-term transit solution, which may include bringing some bus services under city control.

Kansas City officials will soon decide who will become the next city manager. That person will handle everything from the annual budget to road resurfacing and will be responsible for repairing the community’s trust in the city after Brian Platt was fired.

Some Kansas City Council members want to shift the city's communications focus now that Brian Platt is no longer city manager. It comes after KCUR and other local news organizations sent an open letter urging Mayor Quinton Lucas and council members to improve City Hall's transparency.

On April 8, Kansas City voters will be asked whether to renew a sales tax that would fund the construction of a new city jail. Proponents call it a necessary public safety measure, while opponents argue it would fail to address the root causes of crime.