City Hall wants to hear from you about how Kansas City should spend money.
The city has three hearings for the public to comment and give feedback on the proposed budget. City council members will be in attendance and will consider public comments when making amendments and voting on how the city will spend money over the next year.
Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Brian Platt put out their proposed budget earlier this month. The 2024-25 budget totals just more than $2.3 billion — the highest for the city ever — the proposal will be debated and voted on by the full city council after the public comment sessions.
“Budgets are moral documents that represent our values and commitments,” said District 3 Councilwoman Melissa Robinson. “Please attend our budget hearings and share your priorities with city officials.
Input from past public comment sessions has led to changes in the budget. Just last year, $6 million was cut from the budget earmarked for the design of a new city jail. The change was the result of pressure from groups like Decarcerate KC, which advocated for changes to council members.
Some items that have been proposed include $7 million for violence prevention programs like those involving KC360 and Aim4Peace, development in the city’s urban core, and raising pay for all city employees. The city’s police department is required by state law to receive 25% of KC’s overall budget and will likely be the largest budgetary expense for another year.
For a full breakdown of the city’s proposed 2024-25 budget, visit kcmo.gov/budget. The ACLU also provides tips on how to prepare for public testimony at bit.ly/ACLUPublicTestimony, and written testimony can also be submitted if you are unable to attend.
Public Budget Hearings
Sat., March 2, 9 a.m. – noon
KC City Hall, 26th Floor Council Chambers
414 E 12th St.
Free parking at Wolfe Garage at 11th and Oak (validation slip provided to hearing attendees)
This event is also available virtually at bit.ly/budgetkcmo.
Mon., March 4, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Northland Neighborhoods Inc
5340 Chouteau Trafficway
