Kansas City Utilizes $4.1 Million from Recreational Marijuana Tax to Tackle Public Works, Homelessness, and Violence Prevention

Kansas City Allocates $4.1 Million in Tax Revenue from Recreational Marijuana

Kansas City is making waves with its new spending initiatives, thanks to a recently imposed tax on recreational marijuana. Since the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Missouri in late 2022, Kansas City has jumped on board to generate additional funds to tackle some of its most pressing challenges. After local voters approved an additional tax of 3% in April 2023—on top of the already existing 6% state tax—the city has raked in a substantial $4.1 million. Here’s how the city plans to use this newfound revenue.

Investing in Public Works

One of the primary areas receiving attention is public works. According to city documents, $1.5 million has been earmarked for various projects within the public works department. This budget covers important initiatives such as public notice ads and a neighborhood dumpster program designed to keep the city cleaner. Additionally, funds have been allocated for much-needed trash removal equipment ($355,000), alongside a significant investment of $745,000 aimed at litter abatement.

Addressing Homelessness

Another crucial area where the funds are making a difference is in the fight against homelessness. A total of $500,000 has been set aside for the housing department, focusing on cold weather shelters that provide crucial support during harsh winter months. Since the city currently does not have a permanent low-barrier shelter—evident as it contrasts with similar-sized cities—these funds will go toward operations, supplies, staff, and food for seasonal shelters. This effort began after a tragic incident in which a man froze to death, highlighting the urgent need for better resources.

Kansas City recently released statistics revealing that the Kansas City area has the highest percentage of unsheltered homeless individuals among major U.S. cities, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Almost 96% of the 280 chronically homeless individuals in the area are living outside, signaling a stark need for immediate solutions.

Earlier in 2023, the city outlined a plan to use $8.3 million in federal grants toward establishing a permanent low-barrier shelter. However, after pushback from residents, the City Council postponed concrete plans and decided to negotiate contracts with multiple nonprofits for a shared shelter instead of relying on a single organization. While no specific details about the proposal are available yet, both the HUD and the City Council must approve any plans moving forward.

Combatting Violence in the Community

In addition to efforts aimed at homelessness, Kansas City is focusing on violence prevention initiatives. Last year recorded the city’s highest homicide rate to date, raising serious concerns among residents and city officials. While 2023 has thus far shown a reduction in homicides, nonfatal shootings have seen an uptick.

The city has rolled out several initiatives to address these issues, one of which is called SAVE KC. This organization employs a method known as focused deterrence, inviting community leaders to hold gatherings—often referred to as “call ins”—to discuss the consequences of gun violence while offering support services.

As part of this ongoing initiative, city records reveal that $42,000 has been allocated for a client advocate tasked with assisting nonfatal shooting victims and the families of homicide victims. Moreover, a significant chunk—over $279,000—has gone toward the installation of electric vehicle charging stations for the public health department’s violence prevention team. The funding aims to upgrade their fleet and ensure effective support from Aim4Peace, which relies on peaceful conflict mediation rather than law enforcement. Additional funding has been budgeted for violence intervention training programs and payroll costs.

With a view toward addressing the city’s pressing challenges in public work, homelessness, and community safety, Kansas City is showing a promising direction for utilizing its recreational marijuana tax revenue. As this journey unfolds, local residents will be eagerly anticipating how these funds will translate into tangible improvements in their neighborhoods.