KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, City Council members sought input input from the city's residents Saturday during a public listening session regarding a proposed $1.74 billion budget for 2019-20.
"The idea is to go to different parts of the city. talk about what we are suggesting in this year's budget, and find out if we are going in the right direction," said Councilman Scott Wagner, who represents the 1st District-at-large and also serves as Mayor Pro Tem.
Several community members, like Tenesia Looney, took the opportunity to have their voices heard.
"I created an urban core homes tour," she said. "It's called the Kansas City Homes Tour Experience."
Looney provides people in the area the opportunity to see houses across the city.
More importantly, she helps those in low-income housing situations understand the process and importance of home ownership.
Looney took the opportunity to ask council members to consider allocating $50,000 to help keep her twice-yearly tour going.
"We do think this is in line with our housing policy," Looney said. "We want to support you, which supports the residents, the neighborhoods and the city."
Other people spoke against cuts to the KCMO Health Department or stumped for additional money for community resources like Starlight Theatre.
"You can focus on one issue at the top, but you are forgetting about all the other things that kind of trouble our city, too," Looney said.
There will be another public budget meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. on March 2 at the Gregg/Klice Community Center Multipurpose Room, 1600 John Buck O'Neil Way.
The final budget will be formalized next month.
