ICYMI — what with everything else going on — Kansas City passed its largest budget in history last week to the tune of $2.3 billion. Let’s dig into what this prodigious price tag means for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
The big picture
KC is a growing city, and it’s got the cash flow to prove it. According to KCUR, the city has its highest revenue to date. Revenue is lagging slightly behind at $2.2 billion, so $38 million is being pulled from the general fund to make up the difference.
That’s a short-term solution, says finance director Tammy Queen. New programs could suffer if the city doesn’t pick up fresh sources of revenue by this time next year.
The nitty-gritty
Let’s break it down from top to bottom.
What’s at the top of the new budget? Public safety spending, split between two broad categories.
All police officers are getting a pay raise, with starting salaries for KCPD recruits jumping from $50,000 to $65,000. All told, the increase in police department funding amounts to ~$36 million.
Over $8 million is being directed towards non-police intervention and diversion, including Partners for Peace and the newly formed REACH program, which diverts certain non-violent emergency calls to the health department.
Further down, we see some of the more big ticket development items: $40 million for street resurfacing, $15 million for sidewalk and ADA ramp improvements, and an eightfold increase in funding for Vision Zero street safety measures.
Last but not least, a $5 million investment in World Cup preparations, plus another $5 million between T-Mobile Center improvements and increased funding for Visit KC, continue the city’s growth as an international destination.
Phew, that about covers it. If you’re really type A, take a look at the full submitted budget, or check back to see the full approved version in late April.