Committee To Keep Chiefs, Royals in Jackson County Gains New Endorsements

Posted March 18, 2024

The Committee to Keep the Chiefs and Royals in Jackson County received three new endorsements from Kansas City organizations for its campaign to vote yes on the April 2 ballot question.

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Area Development Council and the Independence Chamber of Commerce endorsed a yes vote on Question 1 for the April 2 ballot. The question regards whether or not Jackson County residents will support the 3/8ths sales tax extension which would generate $2 billion over the next 40 years for both teams. The current sales tax is set to expire in 2031.

The Royals would use the extension to fund the construction of a new stadium in the Crossroads district while the Chiefs plan to renovate Arrowhead.

In February, the Committee Against New Royals Stadium Taxes was formed to oppose the upcoming ballot question. The group, led by former Kansas City Councilmember Becky Nace, believes the implementation of a new ballpark in the Crossroads displaces many businesses established in the area.

Last week, the Chiefs and Royals contributed $500,000 to the committee in favor of the sales tax extension. Collectively, both teams have contributed a total of $2 million towards the campaign.

Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. recently requested both franchises cover the $1 million costs for the upcoming special election. White argued the upcoming election was now planned in the 2024 budget and “poses a substantial financial challenge” for Jackson County.

“This unforeseen expense requires us to take money from our emergency reserves, a decision that poses a significant dilemma given our commitment to safeguarding the county’s financial stability,” White said in a statement Thursday. “The teams’ agreement to cover these election costs will alleviate the financial burden on Jackson County taxpayers and safeguard the County’s emergency funds for true unforeseen crises.”