tax increment financing (TIF)

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.

Since purchasing the Country Club Plaza more than a year ago, the Gillion Property group has increased its security and made cosmetic repairs. Now, the company plans major construction that contrasts with the Plaza’s storybook atmosphere, and asking a Kansas City agency for $1.4 billion in tax breaks.

The city won’t work with CJR Construction Group for two years, after the company repeatedly violated its prevailing wage rules. This is the first time Kansas City has debarred a contractor in years.

Kansas City’s state-controlled police board is trying to use the courts to increase police funding. Advocates are worried it could strain the city's resources even further, while failing to improve police services.

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City sued Lee Brown, claiming he misrepresented nearly every fact about his professional life to get the job and then used his position to steer agency funds to his bank account.