CYMI — Kansas City passed its largest budget in history last week to the tune of $2.5 billion. Let’s dig into what this prodigious price tag means for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
The big picture
Mayor Quinton Lucas says KC’s finances are stronger than ever, according to KCUR, but expenses are growing faster than revenue — giving us deja vu to last year’s $38 million gap. The city’s budget officer, Krista Morrison, warns that slowed growth means strategic cuts, but there’s been no word on what exactly quite yet.
The nitty-gritty
Let’s break it down from top to bottom.
What’s at the top of the new budget? Public safety takes the biggest slice with ~$688 million. (No surprise, considering state law requires KCMO to spend 25% or more of its general revenues on its police department.)
- Like the year before, police officers + fire and emergency services personnel can expect a pay bump geared towards retaining top talent.
- $1 million will keep security personnel in entertainment districts (think: Power & Light).
- $250,000 is earmarked for 911 operators raises + additional dispatcher hires meant to cut down on wait times.
Further down, we see some of the more big ticket development items: $78 million for KCATA — though a proposal to fund its $117 million operating costs is in the works — $10 million to affordable housing preservation, and doubled funding for Vision Zero street safety measures.
Last but not least, an additional $2 million investment in World Cup legacy projects, plus another $2.5 million towards City convention facilities + $2.4 million for VisitKC tourism efforts, 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.
