Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has introduced a bold initiative to address the growing issue of property crimes targeting small businesses.
His proposed ordinance would allocate $1 million to fund off-duty officers and deputies to provide security in business districts, aiming to curb theft, break-ins, and vandalism.
This proposal comes as property crimes have escalated across Kansas City, leaving many small business owners grappling with repeated losses and heightened security concerns.
Property Crimes: A Rising Concern for Kansas City
Impact on Small Businesses
Kansas City’s small businesses have experienced a sharp increase in property crimes over the past year, particularly during overnight hours. Recent incidents include:
- A wave of burglaries affecting dozens of businesses over the summer.
- The tragic death of an Irish chef outside his Brookside East restaurant in August.
- A string of property crimes reported in the Westside neighborhood.
Entrepreneurs in areas like Downtown Kansas City, River Market, and Country Club Plaza have expressed frustration over repeated incidents, calling for stronger action.
Proposed Ordinance Details
Mayor Lucas’s ordinance, 250044, proposes:
- Investing $1 million for additional security personnel outside the regular Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) budget.
- Deploying off-duty police officers and sheriff’s deputies in high-risk areas, including:
- 18th & Vine
- Central Business Districts (Downtown, Crossroads, River Market)
- Country Club Plaza
- Westport
- Zona Rosa
The measure will be reviewed by the City Council Finance, Governance, and Public Safety Committee on January 28, 2025.
River Market’s New Security Initiative
The River Market Community Improvement District (RMCID) has already taken proactive steps to enhance neighborhood security:
- Signal Security Deployment:
- Three security officers patrol the River Market every night.
- Two officers are stationed in marked vehicles, while one patrols on foot.
- Security covers streets, multi-tenant buildings, parking lots, and garages.
- 24/7 Assistance Hotline: Residents and business owners can call (816) 421-5243 for help with incidents such as:
- Noise complaints
- Suspicious activity
- Safety escorts
- Disorderly conduct
The program complements the daytime work of RMCID Ambassadors, who focus on maintaining a clean and safe environment for businesses and residents.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Funding | $1 million |
| Purpose | Hire off-duty officers and deputies for small-business security |
| Targeted Areas | 18th & Vine, Downtown, Crossroads, River Market, Westport, Zona Rosa |
| City Council Review Date | January 28, 2025 |
| Existing Programs | RMCID’s Signal Security presence in River Market |
| Business Recovery Grants Available | Up to $3,000 for vandalism recovery, $5,000 for security improvements |
Back to Business Fund: Supporting Recovery
Mayor Lucas’s initiative builds on the success of the Back to Business Fund, launched in September 2024. This program:
- Distributed $70,000 to more than 30 small businesses for:
- Repairing property damage (e.g., broken windows, graffiti removal).
- Installing preventative measures like security cameras and advanced locks.
- Funding Availability:
- Up to $3,000 per business for property crime recovery.
- Up to $5,000 for eligible security upgrades acquired between July 2024 and July 2025.
Lucas emphasized the importance of investing in the long-term resilience of Kansas City’s small business community, stating, “Our small businesses are the heart of Kansas City. We must ensure they have the resources to thrive.”
Collaboration and Success Stories
The ordinance draws inspiration from the successful partnership between the Westport Community Improvement District, KCPD, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
This collaboration has proven effective in reducing crime in Westport, providing a model for citywide implementation.
Kansas City’s small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, and Mayor Quinton Lucas’s $1 million proposal reflects a strong commitment to their security and success.
By funding off-duty officers and strengthening neighborhood security, the city aims to address rising property crimes while fostering a safer environment for entrepreneurs and residents.
Initiatives like the Back to Business Fund and RMCID’s overnight security program demonstrate how local collaboration can yield positive results.
With the ordinance under review and recovery funding still available, Kansas City is taking decisive steps to protect its small business community and build a more secure future.