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Bond. GO Bond. 🕶

Kansas City’s bond questions for the 2022 general election
KC_Convention Center 2.jpg
KC’s “Sky Stations” stand tall atop the convention center. | Photo by @mikedayphotography
The general election is on approach, and Kansas Citians will see two questions on their ballots about bond measures.

City leaders propose issuing $175 million of bond debt to spend on local parks and amenities, the Kansas City Convention Center, and affordable housing.

We’re bonding

General obligation (GO) bonds are paid off using property tax. Past debt for major investments (think: Power & Light + the T-Mobile Center) is rolling off (it’s paid off).

“Our proposal here is to issue new debt that doesn’t quite match what was rolling off,” City Manager Brian Platt told KCtoday.

Since the proposed amount is ~5% lower than the previous debt, Platt said voting yes will still result in a property tax decrease while retaining quality community amenities.

“We’re trying to find the balance of issuing more debt to pay for things that we need while also not breaking the bank and giving some of that back to the taxpayers of the city,” he said.

Question 1

The first measure asks if KCMO should issue $125 million in debt for public parks and the convention center.

$85 million would go to public facilities over five years: improving 10 community centers, reopening public pools, and fixing broken fountains. The remaining $40 million would upgrade the convention center. Visit KC reported the center has missed out on ~$62 million since 2016 due to poor conditions.

“There’s issues in the convention center where we have to run extension cords across the floor because the outlets don’t work and the carpet is pulling up from the ground,” Platt said.

Question 2

The second measure would provide $50 million for the Housing Trust Fund — a program that provides affordable housing for low-income households.

The investment would help fulfill the city’s plan to raise $75 million for the trust fund by 2023, and it would be “the city’s first substantial, locally generated investment in housing,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said.

Manager Platt said this funding would also help reduce homelessness.

Notable endorsements for both bond issues come from the Kansas City Chamber and The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City.

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Today
  • Kevin Hart: Reality Check | Thursday, Nov. 3 | 8 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $56-$175 | Get your giggle on with this stand-up comedian and actor.
  • NSC Art and Craft Show | Thursday, Nov. 3 | 2-7 p.m. | Northland Shepherd’s Center, 5601 NE Antioch Rd. Ste. 12, Gladstone, MO | $0+ | Find unique, handmade gifts, crafts, and seasonal decor for the holiday season. 🛍
Friday, Nov. 4
  • Twilight Movie Trivia | Friday, Nov. 4 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Weston Wine Company, 540 Main St., Weston, MO | $7 | What’s up loca? Test your Twilight knowledge at this trivia night. ✨
  • West Bottoms First Friday Weekends | Friday, Nov. 4, Friday, Dec. 2 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | 1401 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO | This month’s theme is “Blessings in the Bottoms,” and the small businesses deals are something we can all be thankful for. 🎉
Saturday, Nov. 5
Sunday, Nov. 6
  • I Prevail: True Power Tour | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 7 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $45-$75 | Head bang with this line-up of metal bands including Pierce the Veil and Fit For a King.
  • Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans | Sunday, Nov. 6 | 7:20 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium | $90-$999 | Join the Red Kingdom as the Chiefs take on the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead. 🏈

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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Weather
  • 73º | Sunny | 1% chance of rain
Award
  • Kansas City, MO was named one of three best places to work in local government in the US. The poll by Engaging Local Government Leaders said KC had the most nominations. It was described as having “excellent community and employee engagement” with “limitless opportunities.” 🏆
Ranked
  • Put another one on the scoreboard. KCMO also made the list for “Best Soccer Cities in America,” placing No. 5 out of 294 US cities. WalletHub’s study ranked KC No. 2 for MLS but No. 13 for NWSL. We suppose this used last year’s data. ⚽️
  • And for our cold weather lovers, KC came in No. 7 for best holiday destinations that aren’t warm. WalletHub ranked the metro well for travel costs, local costs, and even the weather. We won’t tell them about the ice storms.
Civic
  • Fall fans, beware. You only have a few more weeks to jump in a giant leaf pile before leaf + brush collection begins. KCMO’s curbside service starts in the north on Monday, Nov. 14. Check your city’s website for updates. 🍁
Development
  • Panasonic’s factory site in De Soto has a new name. The former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant is now called Astra Enterprise Park — from the Kansas motto “Ad Astra per Aspera,” meaning “To the stars, through difficulty.” The campus is ~60% the size of Manhattan. ⭐️ (Kansas City Business Journal)
Biz
  • A new entertainment venue is planned for the Plaza. Get out. The Escape Game is a Nashville-based company with 25 locations across the country. This new location — 320 Ward Pkwy., KCMO — will have two floors of missions. There’s no provided construction timeline. (CityScene KC)
Cause
  • Patrick Mahomes announced the third annual 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Gala, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6 at The Midland Theatre. The event will include dinner, auctions, and words from Mahomes. Tickets start at $1,250. 💸
Environment
  • Lenexa-based Henderson Companies — engineering + building solutions — now pledges to go carbon neutral by 2040. Some steps include all-electric buildings + composting. Henderson Engineering is the fourth-largest engineering firm in the metro. 🌎 (Kansas City Business Journal)
Shop
  • Ditch the paper napkins. Opt for a set of handsewn, eco-friendly linen napkins instead. This Etsy seller offers four different colors to add a cozy yet elegant look to your holiday tablescape.*

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Holiday lights begin 💡

Holiday light show moves from Swope to Kessler Park
kessler park magic lights KC
The magic starts today. | Photo by KCtoday
Lights, cars, action. The holidays are upon us (for the next two months), which means it’s time to feel the magic. Winter Magic, that is.

This mile-long holiday lights display opens today in Kessler Park. That’s a change from the past two years, when Winter Magic filled the air at Swope Park.

City Editor Bella checked out the lights last night. Her favorite part? The special KC section, decorated with Chiefs, Royals, and jazz music signs.

Cars start at Gate 1 — 1800 Cliff Dr., KCMO. The display ends near the exit onto Gladstone Boulevard. For the visual learners, here’s a map.

Tickets are $25 per car or $40 for a dual pass, which includes the Holiday Light & Magic show — at 600 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS.

The show is open nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and runs through Sunday, Jan. 1.
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THE WRAP

Today’s edition was written by Travis.

Editor’s pick: Sweet potato gnocchi. Have you heard of this stuff? I found this TikTok video and had to try it (since I love to cook). You can make it with as little as three ingredients, and despite a little bit of a mess (how’d that flour get on the floor?), it’s a relatively fast and easy process. Even I could do it.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Play “guess the editor.”
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Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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