Council approves Kansas City’s $2.5 billion budget for the next fiscal year
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City’s Mayor has applauded the age of a $2.5 billion budget for the fiscal year.
Mayor Quinton Lucas announced on Thursday, March 20, that the Kansas City Council approved the City’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget of $2.5 billion.
Mayor Lucas said the budget prioritizes housing and community development, public safety, public health and infrastructure improvements as it also strengthens the city’s balance to maintain a strong economic standing and credit rating.
“While many cities across the country are facing difficult financial decisions, Kansas City continues to chart a course of fiscal responsibility and strategic investment,” the Mayor said. “This $2.5 billion budget reflects our values as a community and addresses the priorities we’ve heard directly from our residents. By increasing our investment in housing to over $314 million, dedicating nearly $700 million to public safety, and advancing transformative infrastructure projects, we’re not just maintaining services—we’re enhancing them. This budget delivers on our promises to make Kansas City more accessible, more affordable, and more equitable for everyone who calls it home.”
According to Lucas, housing remains a top priority with $314.5 million earmarked to initiatives citywide. This is a $13.2 million increase from the previous year. Funds are expected to :
- Emergency rental assistance programs
- Expanded emergency shelter services
- The Zero KC initiative to end homelessness
- World Cup Legacy projects
- The Housing Trust Fund
Additionally, the Mayor indicated that $1 million will be sent to the city’s small business strategic plan to prepare Kansas City to capitalize on hosting the 2026 World Cup.
Lucas also noted that the new budget shows a commitment to public safety with nearly $700 million tabbed for the cause - an increase of more than $70 million from the year before. More than $340 million is expected to go to the Kansas City Police Department with $320 million set for the Kansas City Fire Department.
The Mayor said these investments ensure the city’s first responders have the resources needed to keep neighborhoods safe. Meanwhile, $341.4 million has been earmarked for infrastructure and accessibility - a $17.5 million increase from last year. Beneficiaries are as follows:
- The Kansas City Transportation Authority will get $71 million with an additional $6.8 million from a budget amendment.
- The Vision Zero safety initiatives have been allotted $3 million.
- The operation and maintenance of the Streetcar and its expansion will cover $2.6 million.
- Funding for snow removal and sidewalk improvements has also been enhanced.
- The Blue Ridge Streetscape and Southwest Blvd. projects have also been earmarked for $5 million.
Lucas indicated that he has also sponsored an ordinance to ensure the maintenance of KCATA’s services while a sustainable future for regional transportation is developed.
Lastly, the Mayor said the budget directly responds to community input with the inclusion of :
- $400,000 for UNESCO initiatives
- $225,000 for ArtsKC programs
- $450,000 for urban agriculture and food system sustainability, including staff and microgrant programs for local farmers
- $3.5 million for animal control services to ensure the successful transition to City-run operations
- $400,000 for the KCMO Local Film Rebate Incentive Program to attract projects that create local employment opportunities and economic growth
Lucas concluded that the 2025-26 budget reflects the priorities of residents who provided input through online surveys, committee meetings and public hearings as part of the priority-based budgeting process. The approved budget will be posted HERE in late April.
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