Wyandotte County Proposes Smaller Tax District for New Chiefs Stadium

Unified Government says state's original plan was too broad, would limit future development

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Wyandotte County officials say their proposal for a tax district to help fund a new Kansas City Chiefs stadium is much smaller in scope than the state of Kansas originally suggested. The county will vote on contributing sales and use tax revenue from an area defined around the stadium, not the entire county as the state had proposed. County administrators argue the state's broader plan would exclude future development opportunities through STAR Bond incentives.

Why it matters

The size and scope of the tax district is a key point of negotiation between Wyandotte County and the state of Kansas as they work to finalize a deal to help fund a new multi-billion dollar stadium for the Chiefs. The county wants to balance supporting the team's needs with preserving its ability to attract future investment and development.

The details

Wyandotte County Unified Government Administrator David Johnston told KMBC 9 Investigates that the county will vote on contributing sales and use tax revenue from an area defined around the stadium, not the entire county as the state Department of Commerce had previously proposed. Johnston said the state's broader map would exclude any future STAR Bond development in the county, limiting its ability to attract new investment. The county's proposed STAR Bond contribution would be contingent on ensuring the district cannot be modified without the Unified Government's approval.

  • On December 22nd, the state announced plans for the stadium, starting a 60-day clock for funding.
  • The Wyandotte County public hearing on the tax district proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4th, 2026.

The players

Wyandotte County Unified Government

The local government of Wyandotte County, Kansas, which includes Kansas City, Kansas.

David Johnston

The Wyandotte County Unified Government Administrator.

Kansas Department of Commerce

The state agency leading negotiations with the Kansas City Chiefs on a new stadium deal.

Pat Lowry

A spokesman for the Kansas Department of Commerce.

John Altevogt

A resident of Edwardsville, Kansas who is concerned about the rushed process for the stadium funding.

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What they’re saying

“That wasn't what was discussed with us.”

— David Johnston, Wyandotte County Unified Government Administrator (KMBC)

“We need revenue. We need to redevelop. But then what do we offer investors to come here? And if I can't use a STAR Bond district as an incentive, then it's going to be very difficult to bring investors into our county.”

— David Johnston, Wyandotte County Unified Government Administrator (KMBC)

“As a taxpayer, as a resident here, this is where I live. I don't want it here.”

— John Altevogt, Edwardsville Resident (KMBC)

“That's the whole part about this that tells you that there's nothing right about this.”

— John Altevogt, Edwardsville Resident (KMBC)

What’s next

The Wyandotte County Unified Government is scheduled to vote on the proposed tax district at Tuesday's public hearing. If approved, the county's STAR Bond contribution would still need to be finalized with the state.

The takeaway

The debate over the size and scope of the tax district highlights the complex negotiations between local and state officials as they work to secure funding for a new Kansas City Chiefs stadium. Wyandotte County wants to balance supporting the team's needs with preserving its ability to attract future investment and development through incentive programs like STAR Bonds.