Kansas City Launches Central City Tax Survey

The city is seeking public input to shape development priorities for the 2027-2032 strategic plan.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Economic Indicators

Isometric editorial illustration of a city block featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture, representing urban economic development. — The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City has initiated a public survey to guide the Central City Economic Development sales tax program through 2032. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should residents have more direct influence over how local economic development tax dollars are spent?

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City has launched a public survey regarding the future of the Central City Economic Development sales tax. The input collected will inform the strategic plan for 2027 through 2032.

Why it matters

The survey helps establish priorities for economic development initiatives that address financing gaps in the district. It ensures that the 1/8-cent tax program continues to effectively target local needs.

Since 2017, the program has approved over $97 million for 68 projects, stimulating more than $1 billion in development activity. Voters recently approved the 1/8-cent sales tax extension with 69.2% support.

The players

Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City

This organization manages the economic development initiatives and the sales tax survey for the city.

The details

The Central City Economic Development district, spanning from Ninth Street to Gregory Boulevard and Indiana Avenue to The Paseo, utilizes this tax as gap financing. The program focuses on 210 housing units, historic restoration, and commercial development.

The Central City Economic Development sales tax was first approved in 2017.
Voters extended the sales tax program for another decade in August 2026.
The survey for the new strategic plan launched on October 29, 2026.
Public input remains open through December 18, 2026.
The new strategic plan covers the period from 2027 to 2032.

Macro View

This initiative follows the pattern established by the 2017 launch of the Central City Economic Development sales tax program. It represents a systematic approach to bridging infrastructure and housing gaps that traditional markets typically fail to address.

Residents have the opportunity to directly influence how 1/8-cent sales tax revenue is allocated toward housing, commercial development, and repairs in the Central City district. This input determines the project priorities for the next five years.

The takeaway

The ongoing public survey is a critical mechanism for ensuring that development funds are directed toward the most pressing needs in the district. Residents interested in local growth should participate before the December deadline to help shape future funding decisions.

What happens next

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City will use public feedback to finalize the 2027-2032 strategic plan, which will govern future investment and development projects.