Joint Statement from KC Civic and Business Organizations to Jackson County Legislature

On behalf of a collaboration of business and civic organizations, we encourage the Jackson County Legislature to take the necessary steps to ensure residents will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed extension of the 3/8 cent sales tax on April 2.

We appreciate the diligent negotiations on both sides. Commitments, concessions and progress have all been made.

We firmly believe that the time has now come to let the voters exercise their collective voice.  There is and will be plenty of time to resolve finer points between now and April 2.  Now is the time to do the good work of the people, and let the will of the voters be heard.

Before us lies a generational opportunity to further cement our place as one of the most dynamic destinations in the world. Like Jackson County leaders, our approach is also deeply anchored in a commitment to the “welfare and prosperity of Jackson County residents.”

The extension of the sales tax provides that the Chiefs and Royals 1) will not raise taxes, 2) would instead save hundreds of millions of dollars for the County, 3) are unequivocally committed to a strong Community Benefits Agreement, and 4) can bring transformational economic impact to our community for decades to come.

With a unified voice that only grows by the day, we strongly urge the Jackson County Legislature to represent the interests of its citizens by placing this historic opportunity on the April 2 ballot.  At this critical crossroads, we invite the County to engage in this effort with “a sense of responsibility and collaboration.”

Working together, let us all continue our journey to truly being a World Class city, shaping the future of our great region for generations hence.