A group representing low-wage workers in Kansas City has submitted a petition to force a public vote on the proposed $600 million subsidy for a new Royals stadium at Crown Center. The petition, which collected over 4,500 signatures, calls for a new city ordinance that would require the city to put any large arena or stadium receiving “material support” to a vote of the people.

Background on the Proposal

The proposed $1.9 billion stadium would be among the most expensive major-league ballparks of all time. The city plans to use a tax-increment financing deal, also known as a TIF, to help fund the stadium. This means that the city would redirect new tax revenues the project is expected to generate to help fund the stadium.

The Missouri Workers Center, who gathered the signatures, believes that the money is better spent elsewhere. “Public money should strengthen our communities, not their private fortunes,” said Terrence Wise, a leader with Missouri Workers Power. “We collected these signatures because Kansas City workers deserve a voice in this decision like we had in 2024 when voters rejected a new stadium deal.”

Next Steps

The city clerk must certify the petition signatures within the next two weeks. If at least 2,068 signatures are certified, the City Council will have 60 days to act. The council can either send the petition to a citywide vote at the next election or approve the ordinance. If the council does not take either option, the petitioners can go back to the city clerk and ask them to send it to the election boards.

Original reporting: The Beacon (Kansas City) — read the source article.