KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A divided Kansas City Council on Thursday approved a major development agreement that paves the way for a $1.4 billion transformation of the Berkley Riverfront. The plan includes the expansion of CPKC Stadium to more than 18,000 seats.
Under the approved development agreement, the city will contribute up to $185 million in public financing. That is less funding than the initial $235 million request.
Mayor Quinton Lucas said the city’s portion will be generated largely through sales tax revenue directly from the stadium and surrounding riverfront district. Any future tax increment financing or state incentives would require separate council action.
Supporters say expanding the world’s first professional sports venue built for women will make Kansas City a premier destination.
“This project allows for the expansion of CPKC Stadium above 18,000 seats to be a more competitive venue for major events in addition to the regular women’s soccer events with the Kansas City Current,” Mayor Lucas said.
The stadium expansion is central to a broader riverfront overhaul that includes additional parking, infrastructure, and retail space. Tenants are already moving into the River’s Edge and Confluence developments, and new bars and restaurants are scheduled to open later this month.
However, the measure faced resistance from Councilmembers Johnathan Duncan and Eric Bunch, who voted against the agreement citing fiscal strain and and transit concerns.
“These bonds, even if it’s being backed by another entity, this isn’t free money,” Duncan said. “We are redirecting revenue that would be going to our general fund back into projects. We are doing it again and again and again. We had a 2.5% decrease in our budget this last fiscal. I’m hearing it’s going to be even worse next fiscal. At some point in time we have to understand when are we going to start prioritizing our general fund.”
Duncan also warned that taxpayers may not see a full return on the city’s investment for up to 30 years.
Bunch raised infrastructure concerns, pointing out that transit options leading into the riverfront are already stretched.
“There are still some questions and concerns about the capacity of the streetcar operations,” Bunch said. “We are talking about a substantial expansion of the capacity of the stadium. Streetcar operations are already pretty maxed out. They’re doing a great job, but with the 60% capacity expansion there are some real challenges.”
Developers plan to cover the remainder of the $1.4 billion price tag through private investment. The Kansas City Current has not yet announced a groundbreaking timeline for the project.
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