Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City leaders have revealed a proposed $2.5 billion municipal budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. This will lead to weeks of public discussion and City Council consideration before a final decision later this spring.
On February 12, Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Mario Vasquez discussed about the spending plan. They said it was a careful balance between being financially responsible and continuing to invest in important services. The approach cuts the city’s expected General Fund shortfall by a lot, from around $100 million to about $55 million, by making the budget tighter and planning for the long run.
Even with that cut, the plan sends new money to regions that citizens repeatedly say are their top priority. The main parts of the proposal are public safety, infrastructure, housing, and services for neighborhoods. The money would also help pay for nearly 200 new jobs related to public safety, which city officials believe will make the city safer for both residents and visitors…