PortKC committee advances $1.49 billion bond plan for Country Club Plaza redevelopment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A PortKC committee approved a $1.49 billion bond plan for the Country Club Plaza redevelopment, the second of three approvals needed.

The PortKC Development Committee voted yes on the plan. This is the second plan proposed after pushback halted efforts nearly a year ago. Leaders said taxpayers will not be on the hook this time. The plan saw initial approval back in August. Final approval will be discussed in early 2027.

Taxable district not part of plan

The plan does not create a taxable district. That was the original idea that caused Kansas City Public Schools leaders and parents to push back on plans in 2025.

PortKC President and CEO Jon Stephens said this time is different.

“There was a lot of opinions, a lot of debate, sometimes loud, sometimes, you know, boisterous. But it’s the right thing. We’re a public agency. I fundamentally believe in public discussion and reaching a development and an agreement that works for everyone. And I think we’re there,” Stephens said.

In a statement, Kansas City Public Schools said the latest option is better than what was proposed but could be better.

The statement read in part, “While the deal before Port KC today is better than what was first presented to the school district for review last November, and we do appreciate the changes, it does not fully meet the district’s reasonable request.”

The district will still generate taxes. Stephens said the new agreement is essentially like PortKC acting as the bank on a bank loan.

Leaders cite empty storefronts

Leaders said the public needs the plan. They cited empty storefronts and diminishing attendance since 2020.

“It was really sad to see not only the empty storefronts, but what comes with the empty storefronts. And what comes with those empty storefronts is a 50% decline in the value of the plaza, which is tens of millions of dollars lost in the community and to our schools and libraries,” Stephens said.

Shoppers want more to do, same feel

Shoppers Sthuthi Tadiparti and Sophia Ramos said they support seeing more things to do in the area.

They said the feel of the plaza must remain with the redevelopment.

Ramos said the “European kind of feel” is “really, really important to especially like local people who have been here forever.”

Next steps

PortKC leaders said they will consider approval for issuance of the bonds early next year.

The ownership group at the plaza is then expected to share development plans. PortKC leaders said some of the first announcements will involve the planned Nordstrom site.