Community Pushes Back on Proposed STAR Bonds Deal for Potential Chiefs Stadium in Wyandotte County
The Kansas City Chiefs' potential move to Wyandotte County is facing more than just logistical hurdles-it’s running into a wall of community concern over how the project might be financed. On Tuesday night, a packed room of more than 50 residents made it clear: they want a seat at the table before any public money is committed to a new stadium.
At the heart of the debate is a proposed STAR bonds deal, a financing mechanism that would redirect certain future local tax revenues to help pay for the stadium. The plan would designate a 236-acre area between 118th Street and 126th Street near State Avenue as a STAR bond district.
Within that district, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County would commit portions of its uncommitted general sales tax, 93.1733% of the county’s uncommitted general sales tax, and up to 8% of hotel guest taxes to repay the bonds issued by the Kansas Development Finance Authority. The commitment could stretch up to 30 years.
Notably, the proposal excludes voter-approved taxes-those earmarked for emergency medical services and public safety would remain untouched. But that didn’t quell concerns from many in attendance, who argued that the indirect effects of the deal-especially any rise in sales taxes-would fall hardest on working families and seniors.
James Bain, a Kansas City, Kansas, resident, didn’t mince words when addressing the commissioners. “Let’s put Wyandotte County first and collect every penny of that increased sales tax collection,” he said.
“That we would even think about giving one dollar to a billionaire. It’s insanity.”
That sentiment echoed throughout the room. Residents weren’t just questioning the financial structure-they were challenging the process itself. Many felt the community had been left out of key conversations, and that decisions were being made without adequate public input.
Former Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Carol Marinovich raised red flags about the broader impact the proposal could have. She pointed to potential consequences for the Board of Public Utilities, the Piper School District, and public safety funding. Her message was clear: this isn’t just about a stadium-it’s about the ripple effects on essential services.
Evangelist Fannie Hill added her voice to the opposition, calling the proposal “one-sided.” “We’re giving away the farm for nothing,” she said.
“This is not a deal. It’s an insult.”
Despite the passionate testimony, no vote was taken Tuesday night. But the message from the community was unmistakable: before Wyandotte County helps bring the Chiefs across the state line, residents want transparency, accountability, and a clear understanding of what’s at stake.
As the conversation around the Chiefs’ future home continues to evolve, this meeting served as a reminder that stadium deals aren’t just about sports-they’re about priorities, public dollars, and the people footing the bill.