An ordinance proposed by Councilwoman Teresa Loar, could be described as providing more nuanced option on incentives. It also could be described as patronizing, tricky or desperate. The article is partially reproduced below.
Editor's Notebook: KC incentives cap question comes down to public's trust.
If you want to guarantee that Kansas City voters approve a measure to lower the cap on tax incentives for development, there’s a road map on file. An ordinance proposed by Councilwoman Teresa Loar, which she later pulled from a committee agenda, could be described as providing a more nuanced option for voters on the topic of incentives. It also could be described as patronizing, tricky or desperate. Kansas City voters will be asked June 18 to select a new mayor — and whether to approve a citizens initiative that would cap tax abatements from the city’s major agencies and programs at 50 percent, with no exceptions. The City Council passed a 75 percent cap in 2016 that does make exceptions for projects in long-distressed areas and certain “high impact” projects.