Overview

• Mayor Jesse Smith said the city is in active, substantial discussions with the Kansas City Royals about a potential ballpark and related development north of the river.
• Smith said any agreement would require collaboration with Clay County and the State of Missouri.
• He outlined four guardrails for a deal: protect the city's long‑term finances, limit neighborhood traffic and parking impacts, leverage outside infrastructure investment, and maintain ongoing engagement with residents and businesses.
• The Royals have not selected a final site, with reporting continuing to list Downtown Kansas City, Overland Park, and North Kansas City as possibilities.
• Regional context includes Jackson County's leadership transition after Frank White's recall, with 13 applicants for interim executive and two disqualified for party, Kay Barnes expected to serve temporarily, the 2024 tax proposal rejected by voters, and current stadium leases expiring in 2031.