08.27.2024

Today’s Forecast

97º | 24% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:43 a.m. | Sunset 7:55 p.m.

💵 MO money MO problems

Jackson County must earmark $70 million quickly or lose it all

All that money could do a lot of good for this city. | Photo by @kansascityinphotos

$70 million. That’s how much Jackson County has remaining from COVID-19 relief funds. Leaders are currently debating what to do with the money. Their plan must be finalized by the end of this year and all funds must be spent by the end of 2026.

If that doesn’t happen the federal government will take it all back.

Where did the money come from?

The money is leftover from the American Rescue Plan Act, which was created to help boost the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. (Remember those stimulus checks? Our local governments got them, too.)

Jackson County received $136,551,645.

How has it been spent so far?

Approximately $1.2 million was used for vaccinations. Another ~$17 million was given to local organizations for public health projects like upgrading shelters for unhoused people and beefing up food banks.

The remaining funds (minus $70 million) were distributed among a myriad of local projects.

KC_City Hall.jpg — How could $70 million help Jackson County?
|
Photo by KCtoday

How will the $70 million be spent?

That is the (70) million dollar question. Ideas being floated within the legislature include renovating the 1300 Washington St. building, which is a government office space, and providing grants to local charities.

While we can think of endless ways the county could spend the funds, federal red tape limits the imagination, requiring the money only be used for:

Investing in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructures
Helping small businesses, households, industries, and workers that were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic
Replacing lost public revenue

It also can’t be used for tax reductions or be placed in a pension fund.

Given those stipulations, here’s our two cents on where it should go:

“If we can’t use it for roads, let the money flow to KC Water’s Drinking Water Service Line Inventory project.” — Editor Maddie

“Give our school teachers a bonus — just in time for the holidays.” — Editor Charm

Asked

How should Jackson County spend $70 million?

A. Invest in public infrastructure
B. Help local businesses, industries, and workers
C. Replace lost revenue

Penny for your thoughts

Events

Tuesday, Aug. 27

US Open Cup | Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 8 p.m. | Children’s Mercy Park | $13-$130+ | Watch the semi-final showdown against the Indy Eleven kick off on KC soil.

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Just Between Friends | Wednesday, Aug. 28-Sunday, Sept. 1 | 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. | Overland Park Convention Center | $0-$10 | Get first dibs on name brand kids items at this consignment mega-sale’s first day, before it opens to the public.

Thursday, Aug. 29

50+ Live Well Age Well Expo | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center | Free entry | Shop local businesses, try activities like chair yoga or comedy improv, and learn how to continue living life to the fullest from medical pros.
Modernist Happy Hour | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 5:30 p.m. | Kansas City Museum | Free entry | Historians of all stripes are welcome to good company, conversation, and even better cocktails at Elixir Soda Fountain.

Friday, Aug. 30

Mutt & Merlot Weekend | Friday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Sept. 1 | Times vary | KC Wine Co | Menu price | Howl at the moon during this dog-friendly weekend featuring discounts, live music, and bingo.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

The Chiefs-only sales tax failed to make it through Jackson County legislature yesterday. The measure to get a quarter-cent sales tax funding only the Chiefs stadium on the November ballot was rejected in a 5-4 vote. (KCUR)

Open

Over the weekend, the West Bottoms welcomed a new tenant: Rex Vintage. Located at 1420 W. 13th Ter., brothers Thomas and Reade Rex moved the store full of “affordable, curated clothes” from the Westside to make space for its massive crowds. (Startland News)

Transit

Johnson County Transit secured a $7.6 million federal grant. The funds will be used to fuel change, that is swapping out diesel buses for “energy-efficient propane and compressed natural gas” ones. (Kansas Reflector)

Arts

Tomorrow is the the last day to get free admission to The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures by donating craft supplies. Pop by 5235 Oak St., KCMO with your crayons, cotton, or other crafty items for a tiny time.

Trending

Why were people vacuuming and sweeping the Country Club Plaza sidewalks? To get it ready for Taylor Swift, of course. This popular post shows ladies cleaning our Crowned Jewel in preparation for Taylor’s (rumored) stay at Travis’ Leawood home. (Kansas City Star)

Legacy

Civil rights activist Chester Owens died on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 91 years old. He helped desegregate downtown KCK and founded The Hub, a historic local bookstore that championed Black literature. (KCUR)

Travel

Did you park at KCI recently? Then check your receipt. A glitch caused parkers to be charged premium prices at the economy lot. The glitch was fixed at the end of July. (Kansas City Star)

Number

40,000+. That’s the square footage of outdoor space your pup can enjoy off-leash at the CITYDOGs dog park. Did we mention the park also offers 10,000+ sqft of indoor play? Familiarize yourself with the ground rules (think: age, vaccine, and weight requirements).*

Biz

Small business owners, financial hurdles should never stand in the way of your success. Visit BusinessLoans.com to compare personalized financing offers + unlock funding to fuel your goals.*

Plan Ahead

⬇️ Your weekend plans

This weekend: Irish Fest and Kansas City Ren Faire return

Renaissance Fest and Irish fest pictures show one after each other. the first is of two men jousting. the second is a crowd shot showing people walking on the street at KC Irish test underneath a pedestrian bridge.

Get ready for jousting and chugging all weekend long. | Photos by KC Renaissance Fest and KCtoday

This weekend is Irish Fest + the start of the 2024 KC Renaissance Faire season.

KC Irish Fest

When: Friday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Sept. 1
Where: Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd., KCMO
Tickets: $25-$75

The fest will be full of live music + Irish jigs, whiskey tastings, and lots of vendors where you can give out your gold. Pro tip: Don’t forget to browse all the local works at Art in the Park.

KC Renaissance Faire

When: Saturday, Aug. 31-Wednesday, Oct. 30
Where: 633 N. 130th St., Bonner Springs, KS
Tickets: $17-$255

Dress in your medieval best, or come as you are, and be immersed in olden times that are themed by the week. Does this spark your heart? For $75 you can get married or renew your vows on the jousting grounds.

The Buy

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Charmaine

From the editor

Ah yes, fair season is upon us. So many art fairs + festivals descend upon Kansas City at this time of year.

I’m planning to make it to Art Westport. In the six years I’ve lived in KC, I always happen to be busy that weekend. This time I’m prioritizing it.

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