The Unified Government Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Thursday to allow the demolition of the main public library at 625 Minnesota Avenue, clearing the final local approval the project needed. The board approved two related measures, each on a 9 to 0 vote, with Commissioner Evelyn Hill (District 4) […]
Politics
Justice Department ramps up pressure on KCKPS over transgender guideline
The U.S. Department of Justice has given Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools 14 days to stop enforcing an internal guideline on transgender students or face a federal lawsuit. The demand letter is dated Jul. 21. It went to the board of education and Superintendent Anna Stubblefield by mail and email […]
Deadlocked commissioners reach tax compromise after four failed votes
After a long and openly-divided debate that ran through four failed motions, the Unified Government Board of Commissioners voted 6 to 3 Thursday, Jul. 16, to notify the state of its intent exceed the revenue neutral rate. In a compromise to get to the legally required decision, the board capped […]
Commission taps Howze to lead UG amidst oncoming budget challenges
As it approaches the rocky shoals of budget season, the Unified Government will have an experienced hand at the tiller, with assistant county administrator Alan Howze appointed to run the government on an interim basis. At its Thursday, Jul. 2 meeting, the Board of Commissioners appointed Howze, a 10-year veteran […]
UG finance panel nixes Indian Springs negotiations, approves downtown grocery deal
The Unified Government’s Economic Development and Finance Standing Committee voted Monday, June 29, to end nearly two years of negotiations with Eastside Innovation over redevelopment of the former Indian Springs Mall site. The committee also approved the details of a manger for the downtown grocery store agreement, and approved a […]
County administrator David Johnston resigns effective July 5
County Administrator David Johnston has resigned from the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, the UG announced this week. His departure takes effect Sunday, Jul. 5. Two of the top three executive staff positions are turning over at once, with this announcement following on the heels of […]
Daunting capital needs dominate a marathon commission budget workshop
The Unified Government Board of Commissioners spent most of a five-hour meeting Wednesday, Jun. 24, walking through a six-year list of capital needs that far outstrips what the government can pay for, a sobering preview of the budget fight ahead. Before that workshop, commissioners approved a 15-lot subdivision near an […]
School board clears path to raise taxes in emotional meeting
The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Board of Education voted 4-3 on Tuesday to declare its intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the 2026-27 budget, keeping the option of a property tax increase alive after more than two hours of tense debate, public threats of a recall, and […]
Commissioners approve spending $2.66 million in American Royal funds
The Unified Government Board of Commissioners voted 8-2 to approve $2.66 million in one-time spending from American Royal funds at its meeting on Thursday, Jun. 18. The approved allocations send $1 million to grants for economic development and infrastructure, $1 million to repair and replace ditches through Public Works, $300 […]
Budget squeeze pushes UG toward job cuts or tax hikes
The Unified Government Board of Commissioners spent nearly all of its June 4 meeting weighing the question of how to pay the workers who deliver county and city services in 2027 without forcing deep cuts or a property tax increase. With Mayor Christal Watson and Commissioners Melissa Bynum (At-Large District […]









