Kansas City, Missouri, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The Kansas City Auditor’s Office has released a report detailing recommendations for enhancing communication between the city, the public, and the media. Key suggestions include filling the vacant communications director position and implementing a strategic plan to improve transparency. City Manager Mario Vasquez expressed support for these recommendations, aiming to rebuild public trust following previous administration issues. The report also highlights the importance of systematic tracking of public records under the Sunshine Law, responding to feedback from local journalists who called for more transparent practices.
Kansas City – The Kansas City Auditor’s Office recently released a report recommending significant improvements for communication between the city and the public, as well as with the news media, to foster greater transparency and rebuild community trust. The report outlines a three-point plan designed to enhance the flow of information and accountability.
The key recommendations include:
- Filling the vacant communications director position, which has remained unfilled for three years.
- Developing a comprehensive communications strategy for effectively conveying information to the public and news outlets.
- Implementing systematic tracking of public records requests, as mandated by the state’s Sunshine Law, to improve monitoring response times, which averaged 14 days last year.
City Manager Mario Vasquez has expressed support for these recommendations and is committed to hiring a communications director by the beginning of the new year. He acknowledged the necessity for a refined communications strategy and noted that the city is in the process of determining who will manage requests under the Sunshine Law.
This report follows an audit commissioned by the City Council after the dismissal of former City Manager Brian Platt. His administration was criticized for prioritizing positive branding over accurate information dissemination, which negatively affected public trust. The audit was aimed at addressing these concerns and seeking to restore the community’s confidence in city communications.
Additionally, the report highlights the challenges faced in the city’s communications department. Former communications director Chris Hernandez won a whistleblower lawsuit against the city after he was terminated for refusing to provide what he deemed misleading information, resulting in a settlement amounting to $1.4 million. His removal in August 2022 was seen as contributing to morale issues within the department, as staff members felt uncertain about their roles in information release processes.
Survey results from local journalists supported the auditor’s findings, revealing instances where city communications staff felt pressured to withhold information. Examples included failing to disclose a full parking lot condition and withholding new state data on sexually transmitted infections. Furthermore, the report pointed out troubling incidents wherein a former assistant city manager allegedly threatened journalists over negative coverage, exacerbating the issue of transparency.
Local journalists have previously called upon Mayor Quinton Lucas and the City Council for improved collaboration and access to reliable information, emphasizing the critical need for a transparent communication strategy moving forward.
The auditor’s report serves as a roadmap for rejuvenating communication practices in Kansas City, presenting an opportunity for the city to reinforce its commitment to transparency and better serve its community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommendations made in the auditor’s report?
The recommendations include filling the vacant communications director position, developing a detailed communications strategy, and tracking public records requests to improve response times.
Why was this report commissioned?
The report was commissioned following the dismissal of former City Manager Brian Platt, addressing concerns about lost public trust attributed to a focus on favorable branding over factual information dissemination.
What issues were highlighted regarding the communication staff?
The report noted that some staff members felt pressured to withhold information and cited instances of threats against journalists surrounding unfavorable coverage, which hindered transparency efforts.
Key Features of the Kansas City Auditor’s Report
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Communications Director Position | Vacant for three years; crucial for leading transparency efforts. |
| Communications Strategy | Develop a strategy for dissemination of information to rebuild public trust. |
| Sunshine Law Tracking | Implement a system to track public records requests and response times. |
| Background Audit | Audit commissioned due to public trust issues under previous administration. |
| Journalist Feedback | Local journalists reported concerns about communication practices and access to information. |
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City News Article 1
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Kansas Reflector – Senate Bill
- Google Search: Kansas government transparency
- KCTV5 News Article
- Google Scholar: Kansas City transparency
- AP News – Open Government
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transparency in government
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
