City Council approves Kansas City 2027 budget with amendments to add to KCPD and partially fund bus routes

Seven amendments to the 2027 budget were adopted during the finance committee meeting on March 24, including increased funding for bus routes, additional funds for KCPD, and clarified funding allocations.

Amendment four, presented by Councilmember Crispin Rae, proposed diverting about $5.4 million from KCPD’s legal fund to fund buses. The Kansas City Transportation Authority (KCTA) stated earlier last month that the existing budget would result in bus route cuts, even with the reinstatement of bus fares.

During three public hearings on the proposed budget, the overwhelming majority fully supported funding buses. Many attendees raised concerns about $14 million allocated for lighting and street resurfacing, as well as increases to the KCPD budget. This follows criticism of KCPD for high taxpayer costs, including payments over $11 million to settle lawsuits.

Amendments during the March 24 council meeting were proposed to increase the KCPD budget by $26 million above the required 25 percent, but many councilmembers pushed back on the allocation of overages. District 1 Councilmember Nathan Willet objected to the term ‘overage.’ He stated, “We’re over the state-mandated twenty-five percent, but we’re still not funding the police fully as requested to be able to do what they need to do.”

As amendments were listed sequentially, Mayor Quinton Lucas stated, “I’ve heard that there’s general consensus around at least $6 million more for KCATA, and I’ve heard consensus around $8.5 million more for roads… what I would suggest is a recommendation that we use TIF surplus plus the general fund to address amendment one and amendment three.”

Councilmember Bough noted that TIF surpluses have typically been used for general fund purposes. While the council agreed this money should be used for street resurfacing, tensions arose over where funds are generated and where they are allocated. The council members from District 2 emphasized that over half of the TIF surplus was generated in their district; however, other districts still felt underrepresented.

“We talk about this pretty candidly when we’re just off camera,” Councilmember Melissa Robinson began in reference to the council recording. “But, I think we do need to consider that the fourth district carries too much of our citywide assets… The amenities will never spread out; you will keep having the infrastructure problems that will be unaffordable for you.”

The agreement was reached to fund additional street resurfacing with TIFF Funds, but disagreements over how to allocate the funds remained unresolved.

Regarding amendment four, which aimed to divert funding from the KCPD overage fund to bus services, the amendment was proposed but ultimately not adopted.

Soon after, Council member Willett stood—an unusual occurrence for the council—to address his support for the police budget over KCTA funding. He advocated for reinstating fares to supplement revenue, stating, “It’s outrageous. I have never been more disappointed that that is even a conversation and an amendment.” Willett also supported police presence during the World Cup and emphasized protecting bus drivers’ safety through fare reinstatement. During this exchange, Councilmember Paterson Hazley excused herself and returned with a noticeable glare.

Councilmember Robinson was eager to respond and also decided to take a stand. “I do think it is problematic when we pit one service against another service,” Robinson began. She highlighted a resolution she previously proposed. $26 million in online sales revenue intended for our bus system is being diverted to the general fund. I wanted to go on record to say that we would not be in this position had we planned for this last year.”

As Mayor Lucas encouraged healthy debate, the adoption did not include amendment four, which would have diverted additional police funding. Instead, the council approved $10.6 million for a police budget increase—including overtime pay—and $6 million for bus services using TIF surplus. Proposals for more significant changes to the KCPD budget, such as Amendment 4, did not pass.

During Robinson’s response regarding police budget amendments, Councilmember Willet had time to hit the 6-7 (while she spoke on amendments 6 and 7).

Councilmember Wes Rogers emphasized the need for law enforcement during the World Cup, citing extended bar operating hours. He even took a dig at the entire country of England, “I feel bad even saying this because my heritage is mostly English, but they’ve got a reputation for drinking and fighting.”

Ultimately, $1.5 million was approved to fund KCPD overtime pay.

Later, an ordinance on violence prevention, led by Mayor Pro Tem Parks-Shaw, was passed, directing the city manager to allocate $6 million to the violence protection fund for the next two years. Mayor Pro Tem highlighted that for every dollar invested in the program, a cost-benefit analysis shows a return of $6-$14. “I would like to be direct and not play any games around these funds because they are making an impact.” The ordinance passed with no objections.

Additional amendments were approved, including fully funding ArtsKC to its $325,000 operating budget and partially funding Unhoused Solutions. However, an amendment to add full-time employees for Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity compliance was rejected; instead, $150,000 was later allocated for job-site compliance tracking.

The council met on Thursday, March 26, and officially adopted the FY2026-2027 budget. The full budget is expected to be posted within the next month; however, the budget prior to any amendments is available here.