KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Mayor Quinton Lucas called 2025 a year of highs and lows for Kansas City, marked by preparations for the World Cup and the Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to move to Kansas.
The Chiefs announced plans to build a $3 billion domed stadium in Wyandotte County, Kansas, with the team set to move there in 2031. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced the deal Monday at a press conference in Topeka.
“Kansas is not a flyover state… we are a touchdown state,” Kelly said.
City offered $1.5 billion to keep Chiefs
Lucas said Kansas City, Jackson County and Missouri offered the Chiefs $1.5 billion in public support to keep them at Arrowhead Stadium. The mayor called the team’s departure a “setback” and said negotiations continued until the final minute.
“I’m hearing from people loud and clear, and people saying, ‘how did you let the teams go?’” Lucas said.
The mayor defended Arrowhead Stadium against claims it has outlived its usefulness, pointing to FIFA’s selection of Kansas City as a World Cup host city.
“There is nowhere like Arrowhead Stadium… think about this. We are by far the largest market… pardon me, the smallest market in North America to get World Cup games. Part of that is not just our history, which is exceptional, but also a recognition that our facility is something special and majestic,” Lucas said.
Border war truce declared dead
Lucas said the Chiefs’ move ends the 2019 Border War truce between Missouri and Kansas, which was established to prevent businesses from crossing state lines.
“A lot of us believed in that Border War truce. And what is frustrating is that there were communities that were negotiating departures, you know, other arrangements with businesses while that was still in place,” Lucas said.
World Cup preparations underway
Kansas City will host World Cup games this summer, bringing international attention and fans to the city. Lucas compared the event’s potential impact to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
“I think this is a 1996 Atlanta Olympics moment. If you talk to somebody from there, they often say, we’re a great place. There were things happening. We took off from there. I think that’s the future that Kansas City has in store,” Lucas said.
The mayor said planning has focused on safety and transportation, including expanded bus service during the tournament.
“Being able to catch buses during the World Cup that take you from Liberty to Lenexa, down to FanFest at the Liberty Memorial, out to the stadiums, hotels, airport and beyond. I think that is something that is nothing short of dynamic. I hope, frankly, it sticks around and is in some ways a guide for our regional bus system after that,” Lucas said.
Plaza redevelopment announced
The mayor highlighted new ownership and a $1.5 billion redevelopment plan for the Country Club Plaza as a major 2025 achievement.
“We all recognize that it needs regeneration. We recognize that we needed a lot more work to make sure it was that unique regional crown jewel that it had to be. And so we’re proud of having that,” Lucas said.
Crime statistics improve
Lucas reported crime statistics dropped in 2025, with shootings down 30% and fewer homicides than the previous year. He credited increased police budgets, hiring more officers and a new Jackson County prosecutor.
“You know, the first thing is this is sustainable. This is something that first of all, I think our prosecutor, our police are violence interrupters. We decided to truly take. And it’s a cliché to say a whole of government approach, but we’ve hired more officers. We’ve increased police budgets year over year. We also have a new dynamic Jackson County prosecutor who I think is making a strong difference for it,” Lucas said.
The city also hired more 911 operators and increased salaries, cutting wait times in 2025.
“I won’t rest until we’re at a point where somebody can call 911 in Kansas City and get an immediate answer. That is a core basic of government, like having clean water,” Lucas said.
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