Public Works

Kansas City has seen a decline in recycling over the last few years, in part, due to confusion and frustration about how the process works. So just how much of what you sort out is actually recycled, and how much is just shipped off to a landfill?

It's practically a rite of spring for Kansas City drivers: swerving to avoid perilous potholes that pockmark the pavement. This year, the city is spending more than ever to resurface streets after the winter weather, with the hopes of minimizing damage to drivers. But will it be enough?

The city stopped issuing new work permits after utility crews left a recently-resurfaced road torn up, violating the city's regulations on road construction.

County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to break away from a 2014 agreement with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.

Kansas City eased restrictions on outdoor dining to help keep restaurants open during the pandemic. A proposed ordinance would establish fees for street and parking lot cafés, as well as limit the number sidewalk cafes to avoid overcrowding.

Kansas City and private investors are finally starting big redevelopment efforts in the Historic 18th and Vine district, after years of fits and starts. But locals worry that these new projects may come at the cost of its current residents and historic legacy.

Kansas City's homeless shelters only permit people to bring one bag during overnight stays, so a new program will provide 30-gallon bins where people can safely lock away the rest of their belongings and retrieve as needed.

After a year of water and utility work on Main Street, sewer upgrades are just beginning, as well as actual work on the KC Streetcar extension. But some businesses are still struggling with the traffic diversions and lack of parking, with years of work still ahead.

Kansas City Council member Melissa Robinson proposed an ordinance that would allow the 3rd District to opt out of new bike lanes under the Complete Streets program — and possibly remove existing lanes.

A plan passed Thursday by the Kansas City Council requires utilities to do a better job fixing streets after underground work and mandates better coordination between the city and utilities.

Drivers are frustrated by traffic on Main Street ahead of the KC Streetcar expansion, but most of that is preliminary work on underground utilities. Then the real construction will begin.

The 1% income tax, which applies to anyone who works in Kansas City, Missouri, is the city's largest single source of revenue.