Friends of Flatland

A voter enters the Brush Creek Community Center gym in Kansas City, Missouri, where a polling location was set up on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

New Taxes on Recreational Marijuana, Airbnbs Win Voter Approval Across Kansas City

By Lynn Horsley, KCUR 89.3 | April 5, 2023

Customers purchasing recreational marijuana in Kansas City and neighboring municipalities will pay a 3% local tax on those retail sales, on top of the 6% state tax, following Tuesday’s election. New taxes and fees on short-term rentals also received Kansas City voter approval.

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An aerial view of the proposed 12-story 1818 Main project looking south.

Incentives Approved for Crossroads Apartment Plan; Affordability Debate Continues

By Kevin Collison | March 29, 2023

A developer has reduced the number of affordable housing units in a Crossroads project after being rejected by Kansas City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

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Passengers wait at a congested KCI pickup line.

One Month Into the New Airport Terminal, KC Has Questions

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon, Josh Merchant, The Beacon | March 29, 2023

The initial reviews for the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport have been generally positive. But some questions have emerged. Here are answers.

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Artist Garry Noland has leased studio space at the Holsum building for about four years. He also runs the Holsum Gallery in the building.

An Affordable, Nurturing Haven for Artists in West Bottoms

By Julius A. Karash | March 17, 2023

Holsum Gallery has joined the ranks of art studios that have sprouted in the West Bottoms, offering a creative home for 45 artists.

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Kansas City Southern headquarters with a city-owned parking lot in the foreground.

KC Southern Plans Likely Headquarters Expansion Downtown

By Kevin Collison | March 16, 2023

Kansas City Southern is partnering with Americo to redevelop city-owned property at 12th and Broadway for an expanded headquarters of the railroad company.

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KCPD vehicle on patrol.

Inside the Legal Standoff Over Kansas City Police Funding

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon | March 15, 2023

Kansas City’s police board is trying to use the courts to increase police funding. Advocates are worried it could bankrupt the city.

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A man holding an "I Voted Today" sticker.

Kansas City Election Guide: What Voters Should Know About the April 2023 Ballot

By Lynn Horsley, KCUR 89.3 | March 13, 2023

Kansas City voters are narrowing the field for mayor and city council seats in redrawn council districts. Plus, residents will decide whether to approve taxes on recreational marijuana and Airbnbs.

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City Hall and the Jackson County Courthouse at the center of the downtown Kansas City skyline.

What’s at Stake in Kansas City Elections? How the City Prioritizes Housing and Development

By Celisa Calacal, KCUR 89.3 | March 10, 2023

The upcoming Kansas City election will add several new members to the Kansas City Council and affect the direction of the city and Mayor Quinton Lucas’ agenda. 

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A view of the City Harvest project looking south from the small park in the City Market.

Push for More Parking, Less Affordable Housing at City Harvest Project

By Kevin Collison | March 9, 2023

The proposed City Harvest apartment tower in the River Market likely will be revised to expand its garage at the cost of 15 affordable housing units.

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The new apartment project would replace the Westport Commons Farm operated by Cultivate KC. The former Westport Middle School, now Plexpod Westport at Park 39, is in the background.

Plan to Replace Urban Farm with Apartments Advances

By Kevin Collison | March 8, 2023

The City Plan Commission endorsed a plan that would replace the Cultivate KC urban farm with apartments in Midtown.

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