What do the new KCMO bonds mean for our city?
If two measures on the upcoming November Kansas City ballot are passed, a combined $175 million in bonds would go toward the community’s affordable housing, parks and Bartle Hall improvements.
Question 2 on the ballot: Affordable housing funds
Question 2 on the November ballot in KCMO asks voters to approve issuing $50 million in general obligation bonds to fund affordable housing. The resolution was written by KC Tenants (recently featured in the NY Times) leaders and is sponsored by council members Melissa Robinson, Andrea Bough, Eric Bunch and KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas.
Why should you vote YES on Question 2 this November?
If approved, the new affordable housing funding will help those at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) find housing.
It’s important to note that it will not result in additional taxes if passed.
“Looking at individuals that make about $18,000 a year or so, they don’t make enough to receive a subsidy or subsidized housing from the Housing Authority,” Robinson said. “But they also can’t afford market rate rent, so we’re looking at individuals that can afford about $600 or so for an apartment.” Click here to learn more.
When these individuals have nowhere to turn, they can end up experiencing homelessness.
“Kaylove Edwards, a member of KC Tenants, and a single mom of two say this money could really help people like her. ‘There isn’t housing that I can afford, there isn’t housing for minimum wage employees to be able to afford to live especially with two kids,’ said Edwards.” Learn more about Edwards’ story here.
This affordable housing funding is another step to ending homelessness in Kansas City.
Don’t forget to vote
Election day is Nov. 8. Remember to hit the polls at a time that works best for your schedule. It is too late to register to vote in this election. To learn more and to check if you are registered, visit https://jcebmo.org/election-information/on-the-ballot/. To learn about Missouri’s new voter ID law, click here.
