FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kansas City, Missouri, voters will decide on April 7 whether to renew the city’s 1% earnings tax (E-Tax), a key funding source for essential city services.
To provide additional perspective, I’ve invited Floyd May, President of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, to share why the organization supports renewing the E-Tax and what the measure means for the region’s future. The Civic Council, representing many of the region’s largest employers, works to advance long-term strategies that strengthen Kansas City’s economic competitiveness, infrastructure, and quality of life.
Guest Message: Why the Civic Council Supports Renewing the E-Tax
Floyd May, President, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri, voters have an important decision on April 7: whether to renew the city’s 1% earnings tax, which has funded essential services since 1963 and must be renewed every five years under Missouri law. The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City strongly supports renewing the E-Tax.
Today, the earnings tax provides about 47% of Kansas City’s general fund revenue, helping fund the core services that keep our city running: public safety, fire protection, emergency response, street maintenance, trash collection, snow removal, and infrastructure upkeep. These services are not optional; they are the foundation of a safe, functional, and economically competitive city.
If the earnings tax is not renewed, Kansas City would lose a significant share of its operating revenue over time. To maintain essential services, the city would likely have to consider alternatives such as higher property or sales taxes, additional fees, or significant cuts to city services.
The E-Tax also reflects the regional nature of Kansas City’s economy. Because it applies to people who live or work in Kansas City, roughly half of the revenue supporting these services comes from commuters who benefit from the city’s infrastructure, business districts, and public safety resources each day.
For these reasons, business and civic leaders across the region have come together to support the Together KC campaign to renew the E-Tax. If you would like to help, please share accurate information with colleagues and employees, and encourage voter participation.
Early voting begins March 24, and Election Day is April 7. Learn more or get involved at together-kc.com.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING – EASTERSEALS MIDWEST
Start your morning making meaningful connections at the KC Chamber’s next Neighborhood Networking event, hosted by Easterseals Midwest (101 NW Englewood Rd., Gladstone, MO) on Friday, March 27, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Neighborhood Networking offers a relaxed and welcoming way to expand your professional network while learning more about organizations making a difference across the Kansas City region. This month’s host, Easterseals Midwest, supports children and adults with disabilities through programs that promote independence, build career skills, and help individuals live more connected lives in their communities.
Whether you’re looking to meet new business contacts, reconnect with Chamber members, or gain insight into a mission-driven organization serving our community, Neighborhood Networking is a great way to start the day. Register today!
CENTURIONS | WELCOMING AND BELONGING SYMPOSIUM SERIES
Centurions invites you to take part in a meaningful installment of its Welcoming and Belonging Symposium Series with a special screening of Big Sonia on Tuesday, April 7, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library – Plaza Branch (4801 Main St., KCMO).
Hosted by the Apex Welcoming and Belonging Committee, this event centers on the extraordinary life of Sonia Warshawski, one of the last remaining Holocaust survivors in Kansas City. The documentary captures Sonia’s story of survival—from enduring concentration camps and death marches as a teenager to becoming a powerful voice for education and remembrance in her later years. Adding depth to the experience, attendees will hear from special guest Regina Kort, Sonia’s daughter, who will share personal reflections and insights following the screening.
This event provides a space for thoughtful dialogue aligned with the program’s commitment to fostering inclusive leadership and deeper community understanding. Learn more and register today!
ACCESS TO CAPITAL PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Small businesses looking to strengthen their financial footing and growth strategy are invited to attend Access to Capital: Building Lending Relationships & Unlocking Local Resources on Wednesday, April 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). Lunch will be provided.
This free program is designed to equip entrepreneurs with real-world insights and actionable strategies through two dynamic panel discussions. The first panel will focus on how to build strong, strategic banking relationships and position your business for long-term financial success, featuring Theodis Watson of Busey Bank and Elaina Page Thomas of The Next Paige Agency. The second panel will highlight the wide range of entrepreneurial support organization (ESO) resources available across the Kansas City region. Panelists Joel Barrett (Missouri SBDC), LaTasha Jacobs (Pathway Financial), and Karis Harrington (KC GIFT) will share how small business owners can access the tools, guidance, and networks needed to grow and thrive.
Whether you’re preparing to seek financing or simply looking to better understand the support systems available in our community, this session offers valuable connections and practical takeaways to help move your business forward. Be sure to register by March 30 to reserve your spot.
RECONNECTING THE EAST SIDE: PART II
Community leaders and stakeholders are invited to continue the conversation around the Reconnecting the East Side initiative during the upcoming Part II event on Wednesday, April 15, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). The project is exploring ways to address long-standing challenges created by the construction of US-71, which divided neighborhoods and limited safe crossings for residents, pedestrians, and cyclists. The effort focuses on identifying solutions that improve safety, strengthen neighborhood connections, and support long-term community investment along the corridor.
This second presentation will provide additional insight into the project’s goals and progress while allowing participants to learn more about the planning process and how community input is helping shape potential solutions. The initiative is part of a broader effort led by Kansas City in partnership with regional and federal agencies to build a safer, more accessible, and more connected East Side. Learn more and register now!