Kansas City’s $100 million budget gap for 2026 didn’t appear overnight, it’s the direct result of years of reckless spending, political vanity projects, and neglect of basic fiscal discipline under the current administration. While City Hall was busy funding pet projects and photo ops, the financial foundation of our city was quietly eroding.
The previous administration poured millions into expanding the streetcar line, subsidizing entertainment districts, and bailing out billion-dollar sports franchises — all while ignoring the growing strain on essential services and public safety. At the same time, payroll bloat and unchecked overtime within city departments went unaddressed, with taxpayers footing the bill.
Even now, city leaders pat themselves on the back for being “fiscally conservative,” a claim that rings hollow when the books tell another story. Instead of cutting waste and reforming the culture of insider deals, they’ve doubled down on PR spin, flying to conferences and boasting about economic growth while families face rising costs and shrinking services.
Kansas City deserves better. It’s time for leadership that prioritizes taxpayers over special interests, focuses on accountability instead of excuses, and brings real transparency back to City Hall.