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Kansas City State of the City address outlines budget cuts

As the city faces a $70-million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, Wednesday’s State of the City address noted departmental cuts in the proposed budget. It was confirmed that no city employees will be laid off, though places like the KC Zoo, Visit KC and others will see a reduction in funding.

The Kansas City State of the City address on Wednesday night covered topics such as violent crime, a strained budget and COVID-19.

Nothing new to the city and others across the U.S., COVID-19 is just one reason for a massive shortfall in the city budget and proposed cuts.

Despite calling for cuts, Mayor Quinton Lucas said his proposed budget would involve no layoffs or furloughs but would include cost savings by not filling vacant positions and offering voluntary early retirement packages.

Lucas did say the Kansas City Police Department would face budget cuts but it would not change the number of officers or 911 dispatchers.

“No officer will need to lose their jobs due to budget cuts, and no stations need to be closed,” Lucas said.

Also noted as part of the proposed budget were decreases in funding for organizations that receive financial support through the city.

Organizations that will see a funding cut include:

  • Kansas City Zoo
  • Starlight Theater
  • ArtsKC
  • Black Archives of Mid-America
  • Visit KC
  • Legal Aid of Western Missouri
  • Kansas City Film Office

The 2021-2022 fiscal year budget will be presented to the Kansas City Council today, Feb. 11.