Kansas City, Missouri, voters could have say on future entertainment venue proposals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council approved putting a question on the April 2027 ballot that would require any proposals for venues with more than 2,500 seats to get voter approval.

“Projects already underway, such as Royals Stadium at Crown Center, the Kansas City Current stadium expansion, the Kansas City Symphony's new South Plaza project, and the Starlight Theater canopy project are not affected by the proposal," Mayor Quinton Lucas said after Thursday's council meeting

KSHB 41 political reporter Charlie Keegan reports the passage of Ordinance 260858 means Kansas Citians will vote whether to establish an ordinance that could affect future aspects of the Royals' plan for a new stadium. However, if voters say yes, the ordinance would not stop any plans the city council has already approved.

“Kansas City can walk and chew gum," Lucas said in his statement. " Petitioners know that the City is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into affordable housing initiatives, up from roughly zero dollars budgeted annually before the Mayor's term, and billions in infrastructure improvements.  The City is proud of its strong work to improve access to housing, tenant protections, increased wages, and essential services, while also building a community that is retaining global headquarters and major entertainment attractions that provide jobs to thousands, like the Royals, Current, Starlight, and symphony projects."

The election is set for April 6, 2027.

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