6/29/26- Economic Development & Finance and Neighborhood & Community Development Standing Committees

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County & Kansas City, Kansas held a joint meeting of the Economic Development & Finance and Neighborhood & Community Development Standing Committees on June 29, 2026. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of the renewal of the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SMID) with a revenue-neutral meal levy to support downtown services, and the approval of a management agreement with Santa Fe Grocerers LLC to operate the downtown grocery store. The agreement involves a $572,000 store improvement investment by the operator, with the Unified Government reimbursing up to $150,000, and includes a $5,000 monthly occupancy fee after a 12-month abatement period. The operator assumes operational risks and will hire local employees. The committees also established a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) policy to support infrastructure costs for housing development, with a 20-year term and 60% developer reimbursement. Additionally, updates were provided on land bank lot sales, housing development joint ventures with local builders, and a redevelopment project by Mount Carmel Redevelopment Corporation. Several motions were passed, including fast-tracking the grocery store management agreement and approving various land bank property transfers and holds. Public comments addressed concerns about affordability, community involvement, and neighborhood impacts. The committees also discussed ongoing negotiations for the Midtown Station project and decided to terminate the related RFP due to unresolved deal terms.