Kansas City sends five bond and tax measures to Aug. 4 ballot—what to know

Kansas City voters will have five separate bond and tax questions on the Aug. 4, 2026 ballot: two KC Water revenue bond measures (waterworks and sanitary sewer), two general obligation (GO) bond measures (affordable housing; convention and other historic civic buildings), and one renewal of the Central City Economic Development (CCED) sales tax inside the CCED district.

Because each measure is financed and repaid through a different revenue “bucket,” the practical question for residents is: which bucket does your bill/taxes/rent-side purchasing connect to?

How to read the ballot like a budget

• KC Water measures: ballot language says principal of and interest are payable from revenues derived from operating the waterworks or sanitary sewer systems, with the city authorized to set rates and charges.
• GO bond measures: ballot language for each GO question says the authorization allows the city to maintain tangible property tax rates sufficient to pay interest and principal until the bonds are fully paid.
• CCED renewal: renews the 1/8% retail sales tax for 10 years, for projects within the CCED area—where the sales tax applies beginning Oct. 1, 2027.

Measure 1: Affordable housing GO bond (up to $100,000,000)

This GO bond question would authorize up to $100,000,000 for affordable housing projects through the Housing Trust Fund, including rehabilitation, renovation, construction, and blight removal to serve very low- to moderate-income households.

The ballot language also says the authorization allows the city to maintain tangible property tax rates sufficient to pay interest and principal on the bonds until fully paid. City election materials describe it as a “no tax increase” initiative, with approval requiring a four-sevenths majority.

Measure 2: KC Water waterworks revenue bonds ($750,000,000)

This waterworks revenue bond question would authorize $750,000,000 in bonds to rehabilitate, improve, and extend Kansas City’s waterworks system, including acquiring land and rights of way.

Ballot language says the principal of and interest on the waterworks revenue bonds are payable solely from revenues derived from operating the waterworks system. The city is authorized to fix and collect water rates and charges sufficient for operation and maintenance, principal/interest, and reserves.

Measure 3: KC Water sanitary sewer revenue bonds ($750,000,000)

This sanitary sewer revenue bond question would authorize $750,000,000 in bonds to rehabilitate, improve, and extend the city’s sanitary sewer system, including acquiring land and rights of way.

Ballot language says principal and interest are payable solely from revenues derived from operating the sanitary sewer system. The city is authorized to set sanitary sewer rates and charges sufficient for operating costs, principal/interest, and reserves.

Measure 4: Convention and city facilities GO bond ($100,000,000)

This GO bond question would authorize up to $100,000,000 for convention facilities and other governmental buildings constructed before 1950 and used primarily for governmental administration, convention, or public assembly—including acquisition, construction, renovation, and furnishings/equipment.

City election materials also point to examples like Municipal Auditorium and the Music Hall, and note facilities such as City Hall opened before 1950. The city describes the package as a “no tax increase” initiative timed over multiple years to match the roll-off of existing GO debt.

The ballot language says the authorization allows the city to maintain tangible property tax rates sufficient to pay interest and principal until fully paid. Approval requires a four-sevenths majority.

Measure 5: CCED sales tax renewal (1/8% for 10 years)

This question asks voters to renew the city’s existing 1/8% retail sales tax for 10 years for economic development projects within the CCED area bounded by 9th Street (north), Gregory Boulevard (south), the Paseo (west), and Indiana Avenue (east).

The CCED sales tax authorization is scheduled to expire Sept. 30, 2027. Ordinance language also specifies the renewed tax becomes effective Oct. 1, 2027 and applies to sales made after Sept. 30, 2027.

Where to find the exact ballot wording

The Kansas City Election Board posts sample ballots and fair ballot language for the Aug. 4, 2026 election—useful for matching the exact question text and YES/NO placement you’ll see at the polls.

Polling hours for the election are 6:00 AM–7:00 PM, and the Election Board notes voters should bring valid photo ID.

Bottom line: KC Water revenue bonds are repaid from water/sewer system revenues; the two GO bond questions are tied in the ballot language to tangible property tax rates; and the CCED renewal is a district sales tax extension with a specific effective date.

Sources

• City of Kansas City: Council places five measures on the August 4, 2026 ballot
• Kansas City Clerk ordinance: election for affordable housing general obligation bonds (Aug. 4, 2026)
• Kansas City Election Board: sample ballot & fair ballot language (Aug. 4, 2026)

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