tax increment financing (TIF)

A key part of Kansas City’s financing for a new downtown ballpark relies on evidence of blight in one of the city’s top tourist areas. Critics of the tax incentive say the deal ignores blight in underserved neighborhoods and saps future city funds that could be used to address it.

Kansas City staff used a graphic of a rack of ribs to show how increased tax revenues from a "stadium impact area" could help pay Kansas City's share of construction costs. Economics and public policy experts say it's flawed logic: "These are magic ribs."

One part of City Council's financing plan authorizes $615 million in bonds to fund the future stadium in Crown Center. Another creates a "stadium impact area," where certain future tax revenue increases will be redirected to pay off the debt.

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.

Gillon Property Group, which owns the Plaza, says the empty lot is a “physical and psychological” problem and will be one of the first major redevelopment targets now that Port KC approved a major incentive package. The space was meant to host a Nordstrom, but the project was scrapped in 2022 after multiple delays.

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.

A city council committee pushed back discussions on bonds and lease agreements for a downtown Royals stadium. Critics say that still isn’t enough time to learn about the financing deal, and have turned in thousands of signatures to force a public vote.

The Current are planning to expand the club’s stadium and entertainment district. The city could pitch in with a $235 million bond and a tax break for the area.

A plan to renovate the Country Club Plaza is being reviewed by the Kansas City Council. Some neighbors and historic preservation advocates have concerns.

If everything goes right, new taxes generated by a $1.9 billion ballpark will help pay off Kansas City's $600 million loan to help finance the deal. But if it goes wrong, that public money could be drained from city services.

Under the new ownership of Dallas-based Gillon Property Group, a plan to revitalize Kansas City's Country Club Plaza is underway. Now, city officials and community leaders are facing a massive tax incentive request that they worry could hurt Kansas City Public Schools and other government services.