Kansas City Seeks Business Input on Development Funding
Owners in the Central City district have until December 18 to shape the next five-year economic strategic plan.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City has opened a public survey to shape the 2027-2032 strategic plan for the Central City Economic Development sales tax program. Operators in the designated district, which spans from Ninth Street to Gregory Boulevard, have until December 18 to weigh in on future investment priorities.
Why it matters
The program provides critical gap financing for projects that conventional markets often overlook, including historic restoration and commercial development. Establishing the new strategic plan now ensures businesses can align their future growth plans with the upcoming cycle of public economic development funding.
Since 2017, the program has authorized over $97 million for 68 projects, contributing to an estimated $1 billion in total development activity. The current tax extension, supported by 69.2% of voters, continues the 1/8-cent levy through 2032.
The players
Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City
An entity focused on managing local economic growth and executing municipal tax-funded development initiatives.
The details
The Central City Economic Development sales tax functions as a financing bridge to attract private, federal, and local capital for redevelopment. By funding housing units and commercial renovations, the initiative offsets costs that prevent traditional development in the area between Ninth Street and The Paseo. The current survey process is the primary mechanism for setting the investment priorities that will guide how these tax revenues are distributed over the next five-year cycle.
Timeline
2017: Voters first approved the CCED sales tax.
August 2026: Voters extended the sales tax for another decade.
October 29, 2026: The CCED survey launched.
December 18, 2026: The CCED survey closes.
2027-2032: The period covered by the new strategic plan.
Market Landscape
The survey follows the established pattern of the Central City Economic Development sales tax program to solicit stakeholder feedback for future funding cycles. This process builds on the 10-year extension approved by voters in August 2026, which continues the district's primary public funding vehicle.
Local developers and property owners should review their project pipelines against the current funding targets, which include 210 housing units and commercial development. Inputting needs into the EDCKC survey is the primary way to ensure operational gaps are considered in the 2027-2032 budget.
The takeaway
The strategic plan will dictate where over $97 million in potential future funding is deployed, making the current comment window essential for local operators. Businesses should track the results of this planning cycle to understand which commercial corridor improvements will be prioritized for the next five years.
Further reading
For broader trends on local municipal funding, see the Economic Indicators section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KCUR 89.3 - NPR in Kansas City. Local news, entertainment and podcasts..
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