KC advances funding plan for Royals stadium near downtown. Here’s what to know
The Kansas City City Council voted 11-1-1 to approve an ordinance allowing the city to negotiate a deal with the Royals and contribute up to $600 million toward a $1.9 billion stadium near Union Station. The vote is a major step, but significant pieces still need to come together before construction can begin. Namely, the Royals and the state of Missouri need to get on board.
FULL STORY: KC officially opens door for Royals stadium near downtown. What needs to come next
Here are key takeaways:
• The vote: The Council approved a framework for how it could help pay for a stadium in the “Washington Square Park/Crown Center area” and gave the city manager permission to start working out a deal with the Royals. 1st District Councilmember Nathan Willett cast the lone no vote, and 4th District At-Large Councilmember Crispin Rea abstained.
• No money committed yet: The vote does not commit city funds beyond $250,000 for predevelopment research, but it lays out the possibility of the city issuing up to $600 million in bonds that would be paid back by taxes generated in and around the stadium. The City Council must still approve a lease, development agreements and a TIF plan before construction begins.
• State funding uncertain: The “Show-Me Sports Investment Act” allows Missouri to cover up to 50% of a new stadium, but the exact amount the state would provide that lawmakers would need to approve is still unclear. The city also plans to apply for up to $50 million in state tax credits.
• Ownership and timeline: The city expects to own the stadium and lease it to the Royals for 30 years. Construction is expected to take up to four years, and the Royals’ lease at Kauffman Stadium expires in 2031.
• Critics remain vocal: Dozens of residents opposed the plan in committee, citing Jackson County voters’ rejection of a 2024 stadium funding proposal. 6th District Councilmember Johnathan Duncan, who voted yes after adding language to make sure the City Council has more oversight, said he wants to “ensure that folks aren’t left behind simply because I philosophically disagree with providing subsidies to billionaires.”
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.
