KC City Council Neglects Funding Transportation System Despite Mass Community Outcry

Members of Sunrise Movement KC in the City Hall chambers holding signs that read “STRONG BUSES = HEALTHY CITY” (Sunrise Movement KC/Instagram) KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – A $22 million deficit is the staggering shortfall Kansas City’s transit system faces following the City Council’s latest budget vote. The record breaking budget approval demonstrates City Council’s disregard for hundreds of testimonies, emails, and petitions. “In adopting this budget, KCMO City Council chose to ignore the voices of bus riders,” Sunrise KC posted on their Instagram account following the announcement of the budget’s approval. The budget approval highlights a conflicting message from a governing body who can approve and fund a transformative alternative to policing like REACH, while simultaneously abandoning the everyday needs of Kansas Citians. “With this budget, KCMO City Council shows complete apathy for the role that young people and bus riders have in shaping our City’s priorities in this budgeting process,” Sunrise posted on Instagram. The anticipated $22 million budget deficit will likely lead to cuts in bus services as early as January 2025. As a result, community members and bus riders will lose access to jobs, healthcare, groceries, and other lifelines of a thriving community. “They don’t have to...