20-year ¼ cent, Kansas City, MO Public Safety Sales Tax extension unanimously endorsed by Downtown Council

By Bill Dietrich, President & CEO at Downtown Council of Kansas City

The Downtown Council, along with the Downtown and River Market Community Improvement Districts, have continued to prioritize a focus on crime and safety with our city and community partners. From our dialogue with leadership from the city, Kansas City Police Department, the County Prosecutor’s office, and downtown stakeholders, we have seen a renewed focus on adding resources to impact this issue. One of the key components in how this issue is addressed has been the need for a municipal rehabilitation and detention center. The Downtown Council’s board was pleased to endorse the city’s desire to extend a quarter-cent sales tax for public safety to build such a new facility.

If the extension is passed by voters on April 8, 2025, the revenue will be used to not only build a new municipal rehabilitation and detention center but also to fund additional needs of law enforcement and emergency medical service providers.  

The Downtown Council will continue to prioritize this issue because of its importance when it comes to the quality of life and economic vitality of Downtown KC. A safe downtown leads to an overall higher experience for downtown’s growing resident, worker, and visitor population. Not to mention that a safe and secure environment attracts more companies, restaurants, and retail which help contribute to a thriving downtown economy.  

With innovative approaches such as a new overnight security patrol program in the River Market to engaging in coalition building with community partners throughout downtown and the city working daily with the KCPD Foot Beat Unit, the Downtown Council and our CIDs will continue to focus on crime and safety to help create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that benefits everyone.

For more information on the sales tax extension, please visit:  https://www.kcmo.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2294/16