Who wouldn’t want to live here? | Photo by @davevonfintel
ICYMI — 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.
Orchid Delirium | Wednesday, March 26-Sunday, April 13 | Powell Gardens, Kingsville | $15 | Drawing inspiration from Victorian orchid hunters who scoured the world for these ethereal blooms, this rotating exhibit showcases the garden’s 2000-piece collection to kick off its spring season.
Thursday, March 27
“Maya and the Magic Ring” | Thursday, March 27-Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | Midwest Trust Center | $6+ | Narnia meets Aladdin meets Matilda in this opera for families warning precocious kiddos to be careful what you wish for, with music by Lori Laitman and libretto by Dana Gioia.
Royals Home Opener Watch Party | 3-7 p.m. | BarCentral | Menu price | Grab your crew, rep your Royals gear, and catch every pitch on the big screen while enjoying its epic apps and ice-cold drinks.
Steel Panther | 8 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $29+ | The glam metal band will be playing classic gems from “Feel The Steel” in celebration of the album’s 15th anniversary.
Friday, March 28
Wine + Art: Evening with Somerset Ridge at Leopold | 6-9 p.m. | Leopold Gallery + Art Consulting | Free | Savor an evening of creativity, company, and award-winning wine from one of the area’s oldest wineries.
Saturday, March 29
Pilates & Brunch | 9 a.m. | Pinstripes, Overland Park | $35 | Start your weekend strong with a Pilates class, then reward all that hard work with bottomless brunch and a well-earned mimosa.
Brew Springs Home Brew Festival | 1-5 p.m. | Downtown Blue Springs | $5+ | Sample a wide variety of unique craft beers from 30 talented local brewers, enjoy delicious food trucks, and vote to determine the first annual festival’s top brew.
Harlem Globetrotters | 2 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $40+ | The world-famous Globetrotters bring their next-level hoops wizardry to KC for an afternoon of mind-blowing moves and family-friendly fun.
From engaging artist talks to hands-on workshops and youth art classes, there’s something for everyone at the Nerman Museum. Here’s a peek at what’s next on the agenda:
Artists talk and opening reception | Thursday, March 27
Saturday Youth Art Classes | Saturday, April 5-Saturday, May 17
A Match Made in Heaven Gala | Saturday, May 10
Take a look — you might just find your new favorite activity.
Kansas City’s population is expected to double during the 2026 World Cup — and you thought rush hour was bad now. Luckily, KC2026 organizers have shared plans to ease traffic with citywide shuttle services to Truman Sports Complex. Buckle up for what else is in store. (FOX4)
Open
Quench your thirst, KC. Power & Light’s Yard Milkshake Bar is now stacking over-the-top shakes, like the Heart of KC topped with chocolate-covered pretzels + cookie dough. Prefer something less sugary? Check out Murmuration, the new cocktail bar + eatery from the team behind City Market Coffee. (IN Kansas City + KC Star)
Real Estate
Plans for a downtown Royals stadium may have hit anothersnag. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City just re-listed its old HQ, a key portion of the proposed Washington Square Park site, marking the end of a ballpark-geared purchase contract. Will this change the team’s summer announcement? Read KCBJ’s breakdown.
Eat
Take me out to the ballgame and for a “Sluggerrr Dog.” Kauffman Stadium’s new menu lineup debuts on Opening Day tomorrow, featuring fried chicken quesadillas, Crown Town brews, and Joe’s KC’s legendary Z-man. Cracker Jacks, who?(FOX4)
Community
A one-way phone booth near Lake Olathe offers grieving locals a place to “call” lost loved ones. Inspired by Japan’s “wind phones,” the booth was created to honor the builder’s late sister-in-law —delivering words left unsaid to the other side. (KSHB 41)
Trending
Eyeing some Hoka shoes for spring hiking, running, and walking adventures? Brad’s Deals rounded up which stores are offering the best prices.*
The Buy
The Buy
A really good Wi-Fi extender, because you deserve reliable internet access (yes, even in that corner of the house). Bonus: It’s 52% off until midnight thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
It’ll look like someone took a big bite out of the sun this weekend. While it won’t be quite as big news as last year’s, a partial solar eclipse will hit our skies around 6:13 a.m. on Saturday, March 29. Don’t forget to grab some shades to view the solar spectacle + consider going all in on the festivities with our past eclipse guide.
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