Kansas City is asking voters to pass 5 bond and tax measures in August's election. Here's a guide

Kansas City’s August election will feature five ballot measures, including four bond proposals worth $1.7 billion and a sales tax renewal. The city is seeking $750 million each for water and sewer system improvements, $100 million for affordable housing via the housing trust fund, and $100 million for repairs at Bartle Hall, Municipal Auditorium, and City Hall. A 1/8-cent sales tax increase would fund economic development in a defined downtown area. City leaders consolidated the measures to reduce election costs, as a special recall election in 2025 cost $2 million. Officials emphasized that the $200 million in bonds for housing and infrastructure replaces paid-off debt, avoiding tax hikes. Rejecting the water bonds could force KC Water to use costlier funding, raising future rates. The sales tax renewal extends a 10-year existing tax for Central City economic development. The City Council’s Finance Committee approved placing all measures on the ballot in May, with the full council approving the decision. Voters will decide whether to fund these projects through borrowing or tax increases in August.