2026-27 Budget Meeting #2/ March 2, 2026

The City of Kansas City held its 2026-27 Budget Meeting to discuss the upcoming fiscal year's $2.5 billion budget, focusing on public safety, infrastructure, housing, and community services. Key highlights included the importance of the earnings tax, which funds about a quarter of the general fund, and significant investments in public safety, transportation, and community programs. Public testimony emphasized concerns over underfunded public transit, with calls to reallocate funds from street maintenance back to bus services to improve reliability and accessibility. Many speakers advocated for sustained or increased funding for violence prevention programs, affordable housing initiatives, and arts funding, highlighting their critical role in community health and economic development. There was also notable opposition to expanding jail facilities, with advocates urging investment in community-based solutions over incarceration. The meeting underscored the community's desire for a budget that prioritizes equitable services, neighborhood vitality, and long-term public safety strategies.