The Beacon

Missouri Counties Want to Freeze Seniors’ Property Tax Assessments, But Aren’t Sure They Can

By Meg Cunningham, The Beacon | October 16, 2023

Many Missouri counties are confused by a new state law designed to give seniors relief from soaring property tax assessments.

Rising Rents Leave More Kansas City Tenants Facing Eviction

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon | September 19, 2023

Two years after the end of a national eviction moratorium, landlords are still looking to make up for lost income. That’s led to more residents facing eviction.

Signs in support of PV United line some streets in Prairie Village.

Zoning Dispute Has Prairie Village Warring Over Housing

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon | August 21, 2023

The issue of Prairie Village rezoning has left the quiet Kansas City suburb more divided than ever. Now, a group wants to kick out half of the City Council.

High-fee Crypto ATMs Target Low-income Parts of Kansas City

By Dan Mika, The Beacon | August 16, 2023

Bitcoin, RockItCoin and other crypto ATM companies are plentiful in low-income Kansas City neighborhoods. Experts say they are targeting residents with extraordinary fees.

This neglected house at 3611 Norton Ave. was reported to the Kansas City 311 program in March 2021.

Inside KC’s 311 Complaint Hotline: More Than 300,000 Reports

By Julie Freijat, Josh Merchant, The Beacon | August 9, 2023

The Kansas City 311 program has received 300,000 reports in two years. Here are the city’s top problems and how advocates are trying to help.

Site of the proposed 4711 Belleview project west of the Country Club Plaza.

Waldo and Plaza-area Projects Push for Port KC Tax Breaks

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon | July 19, 2023

The Port Authority of Kansas City is considering tax breaks for two housing proposals in Waldo and near the Country Club Plaza that are drawing criticism.

An illustration of a house made of money.

When Corporations Buy Local Homes, We All Pay

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon | July 12, 2023

Jackson County’s latest round of property tax assessments has sent homeowners into a frenzy. One factor driving prices of homes? Out-of-town investors.

A participant in a KC Tenants Power political rally uses a megaphone to fire up the crowd.

Endorsements Shift Kansas City’s Political Landscape

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon, Mary Sanchez | June 22, 2023

Even as the old guard of Kansas City politics made endorsements, newer groups like KC Tenants Power and Northland Strong shaped the 2023 City Council election.

A voter enters a polling location at the National World War I Museum and Memorial to submit a ballot.

Things to Watch During June 20 Election in Kansas City

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon | June 16, 2023

Kansas City has seen new political players, a worsening affordable housing crisis and escalating tensions with the state-controlled police department.