Jackson County voters dealt a significant blow to the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs on Tuesday by rejecting a proposal to extend a stadium sales tax. The tax would have funded the construction of a new downtown baseball stadium and renovations at Arrowhead Stadium. The proposal, known as Question 1, aimed to replace the existing 3/8th-cent sales tax with a tax at the same level that would have lasted until 2064. However, with 58% of the vote against it, the tax will now end in 2031, coinciding with the expiration of the Royals and Chiefs’ leases.
The city’s premier sports teams invested heavily in the campaign for the tax extension, contributing $3 million to the “yes” campaign. Despite their efforts, they faced strong opposition from community groups such as KC Tenants and Stand Up KC, as well as small businesses in the Crossroads area. These groups argued that taxpayers should not be subsidizing private development. Magda Werkmeister, an organizer from KC Tenants, expressed satisfaction that more people are recognizing the need to avoid subsidizing billionaires’ profits.
In response to the results, Royals owner John Sherman expressed disappointment but acknowledged the outcome. He stated that the team would take time to reflect on the results and find a way forward that benefits both the Royals and their fans. The sales tax, had it been approved, was projected to generate around $2 billion over its 40-year lifespan. The Royals had planned to allocate their share of the revenue towards constructing a $1 billion ballpark in the Crossroads neighborhood, while the Chiefs intended to use their portion for an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. Both teams have emphasized the importance of the sales tax renewal for their continued presence in Jackson County.
