County Executive Outlines Plans for Sports Complexes and Property Taxes

Phil LeVota discusses Royals stadium options, Chiefs deal with Kansas, and efforts to address property tax issues in Jackson County

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:15pm

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In his first visit with south Kansas City citizens, newly elected Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota provided an update on several key issues facing the county, including the search for a new Royals stadium location, the Chiefs' deal with Kansas, and efforts to address property tax concerns stemming from the previous administration's policies.

Why it matters

LeVota's candid discussion of these topics provides insight into his priorities and approach as the new county executive, as he works to restore accountability and transparency in Jackson County government. The future of the county's major sports complexes and the ongoing property tax disputes are issues of significant public interest.

The details

LeVota stated that a Kansas stadium for the Royals is now officially off the table, and the team is considering three potential sites in Kansas City: Washington Park near Crown Center/Union Station, East Village near 71 Hwy and 12th Street, and the Historic 18th & Vine area. He expressed disappointment in the Chiefs' $6 billion domed stadium deal with Kansas, saying there is "a lot of ill will" in Jackson County over the matter. LeVota also discussed efforts to address property tax issues, including reversing the previous administration's policies and providing tax credits to property owners who overpaid in 2023 and 2024 due to the state-mandated rollback of residential property tax increases.

  • LeVota took office as Jackson County Executive three months ago.
  • In 2025, property owners did not see an increase above 15% in their property taxes.
  • Property owners who overpaid in 2023 and 2024 will receive tax credits over the next three years.

The players

Phil LeVota

The newly elected Jackson County Executive who is working to restore accountability and transparency in county government.

Frank White

The former Jackson County Executive whose administration had been fighting the State Tax Commission's ruling to roll back residential property taxes.

Ollie Gates

The founder of Gates BBQ, who owns properties in the Historic 18th & Vine area, one of the potential sites for a new Royals stadium.

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority

A property owner in the Historic 18th & Vine area that could have "federal issues" preventing acquisition for a new Royals stadium.

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What they’re saying

“Hopefully the next thing we're going to hear is Clay County is out. Then we're narrowed down to Kansas City.”

— Phil LeVota, Jackson County Executive (martincitytelegraph.com)

“There is a lot of ill will on this side about the Chiefs' deal with Kansas.”

— Phil LeVota, Jackson County Executive (martincitytelegraph.com)

What’s next

A Stadium Redevelopment Task Force is being formed to study repurposing the 220-acre sports complex located at I-70 and I-435.

The takeaway

LeVota's open and candid approach in addressing key issues facing Jackson County, including the future of the county's major sports complexes and ongoing property tax disputes, signals his commitment to restoring transparency and accountability in local government.