Kansas City Mayor Q Housing Scheme Offers Developer Giveaways Ahead Of Election Season

Credit where it's due . . .

At least Mayor Q is smart enough to realize that he's not as popular as other KC leaders and needs to step up his legal & fun loving political payoff game.

Accordingly . . . Here's his latest gambit . . .

The proposal relaxes affordable housing requirements for private developers who get tax breaks and subsidies. It leans on borrowing $50 million for the Housing Trust Fund to subsidize affordable housing projects instead.

The money would be available only if voters approve a $175 million bond issue this November.

Lucas also wants to “streamline” the incentive process by allowing city staff to unilaterally approve a standard package of goodies for developers, apparently shutting out the City Council, several boards and commissions, and the public from the vetting process.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Mayor Lucas, don't bypass the public and City Council in KC incentive discussions

OPINION AND COMMENTARY Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has proposed an audacious framework for changing the city's housing and incentives policy, including major adjustments in how projects are reviewed. The proposal relaxes affordable housing requirements for private developers who get tax breaks and subsidies.

Kansas City tenant advocates disagree with new housing ordinance proposed by mayor

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced a new package of legislation geared towards building more affordable housing in Kansas City. "$50 million for affordable housing being the most important part, for $7 million we created 500 units of housing," Lucas said.

Developing . . .