Royals owner John Sherman and Chiefs president Mark Donovan addressed the public from a stage at the J. Rieger & Co. distillery in Kansas City on Tuesday night. They acknowledged the defeat of a sales tax initiative that would have funded a new downtown ballpark and Arrowhead Stadium renovations.
Despite the Royals’ victory against the Orioles, Sherman expressed disappointment in the failed tax measure, emphasizing that they “didn’t win this.”
The ballot measure faced a significant defeat, with over 58% of voters in Jackson County rejecting the proposed three-eighths of a cent sales tax. The Royals and Chiefs had pledged significant private funding for their respective projects.
The reasons for the tax’s failure were multifaceted. Concerns were raised regarding the location of the proposed downtown ballpark, with some business owners expressing opposition to potential property relocation. Additionally, the messaging from the franchises shifted over time, and there were criticisms regarding transparency and the nature of the construction plans.
Moving forward, the Chiefs and Royals have stated their intention to explore alternative options. While they may revisit negotiations with Jackson County, they could also consider offers from other locations offering tax incentives. However, both teams have strong ties to Kansas City, and there is hope for renewed collaboration in future efforts.
Jackson County executive Frank White and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed optimism about the possibility of the teams returning to the negotiating table, emphasizing the community’s love for the Chiefs and Royals. They aim to work towards a more inclusive and collaborative process to ensure the teams’ continued presence in Kansas City for years to come.
