Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. has proposed renewing a 3/8-cent sales tax to help keep the Kansas City Chiefs in Missouri, while also funding investments in public health and safety.In a July 8 letter to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, White outlined a plan that would use the renewed tax to “modernize” Arrowhead Stadium, upgrade the historic downtown courthouse and juvenile rehabilitation facility, and invest in University Health.White said the proposal aligns with Senate Bill 3’s requirements for local public investment to support professional sports teams. “I believe Jackson County is positioned to meet that requirement through a responsible and community-driven approach,” White said in the letter. “I’m proposing the renewal of the existing 3/8-cent sales tax, originally approved by voters in 2006 to fund improvements to Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums.”He also requested a statutory amendment allowing the renewed tax to support the items under a single ballot measure, rather than requiring three separate votes.White believes the plan could generate $500 million to $700 million for each of the Chiefs, public safety and University Health. No funding is mentioned for the Royals. White says in the letter that the Royals have not expressed interest in “reengaging” with the county. “I also want to be clear about the Royals: I fully support keeping them in Jackson County,” White wrote to Kehoe. “Since the April 2024 vote, the City of Kansas City has taken the lead on identifying a new site and working with the team, and I’ve respected their desire to do so. At the same time, I’ve made it clear to the Royals that Jackson County is ready to support the City’s efforts and is willing to step back in should the team present a proposal for us to consider or express interest in reengaging. To date, the Royals have not done so.”

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. —

Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. has proposed renewing a 3/8-cent sales tax to help keep the Kansas City Chiefs in Missouri, while also funding investments in public health and safety.

In a July 8 letter to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, White outlined a plan that would use the renewed tax to “modernize” Arrowhead Stadium, upgrade the historic downtown courthouse and juvenile rehabilitation facility, and invest in University Health.

White said the proposal aligns with Senate Bill 3’s requirements for local public investment to support professional sports teams.

“I believe Jackson County is positioned to meet that requirement through a responsible and community-driven approach,” White said in the letter. “I’m proposing the renewal of the existing 3/8-cent sales tax, originally approved by voters in 2006 to fund improvements to Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums.”

He also requested a statutory amendment allowing the renewed tax to support the items under a single ballot measure, rather than requiring three separate votes.

White believes the plan could generate $500 million to $700 million for each of the Chiefs, public safety and University Health.

No funding is mentioned for the Royals.

White says in the letter that the Royals have not expressed interest in “reengaging” with the county.

“I also want to be clear about the Royals: I fully support keeping them in Jackson County,” White wrote to Kehoe. “Since the April 2024 vote, the City of Kansas City has taken the lead on identifying a new site and working with the team, and I’ve respected their desire to do so. At the same time, I’ve made it clear to the Royals that Jackson County is ready to support the City’s efforts and is willing to step back in should the team present a proposal for us to consider or express interest in reengaging. To date, the Royals have not done so.”