Kansas City Approves Transit Funding

Voters approved a ten-year extension on a sales tax that provides roughly one-third of the local transit agency’s revenue.

1 minute read

November 13, 2023, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


City bus in downtown Kansas City with brick buildings in background.

Matt Sima/Wirestock / Adobe Stock

Voters in Kansas City “overwhelmingly approved” the renewal of a sales tax that funds the city’s  public transit system, reports Celisa Calacal for KCUR.

“Renewal of the transit tax means Kansas City consumers will continue to see a 0.375% sales tax on retail sales of property or services. Kansas City collects that money and then allocates it to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.” Officials say supporting public transit is important in part because the city will host some 2026 World Cup soccer games. 

Local tax revenue makes up almost one-third of the agency’s revenue. “Officials estimate the tax will bring in about $421 million over the next 10 years,” Calacal adds. An article in the Kansas City Star notes that thanks to the sales tax, the agency will be able to continue providing fare-free service “for the foreseeable future.”

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 in KCUR

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 10, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

A line of white wind turbines surrounded by wheat and soybean fields with a cloudy blue sky in the background.

Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal

The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.

5 hours ago - Fast Company

Red and white Caltrain train.

Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification

The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.

6 hours ago - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

View up at brick Catholic church towers and modern high-rise buildings.

Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation

Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.

6 hours ago - NBC Dallas