Kansas City, Missouri, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Kansas City has seen a significant political shift with the appointment of former Mayor Kay Barnes as the temporary Jackson County Executive. Her appointment follows the recall of Frank White Jr., who faced voter backlash. Barnes aims to provide stability during her brief tenure, while advocating for issues related to local sports stadiums. This transition comes at a pivotal time as the Jackson County Legislature strategizes on future leadership and stadium developments, alongside ongoing discussions about local funding and community impact.
Kansas City is witnessing a shift in its political landscape following the appointment of former Mayor Kay Barnes as the temporary Jackson County Executive. This transition comes in the wake of the recall of Frank White Jr., the former county executive, who was ousted by voters in a significant electoral outcome.
Barnes, now 87 years old, was sworn into her new role during a brief ceremony held in the county legislative chambers. Her appointment is expected to last for up to 30 days as the county navigates through a pivotal period. Although she acknowledges the limited time she has in office, her primary goal is to provide stability during this transition.
In her initial remarks, Barnes indicated a commitment to keeping the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Additionally, she advocated for the Kansas City Royals to relocate to Washington Square Park in downtown Kansas City, emphasizing that her support for these stadium issues has been consistent and public for over two decades. Furthermore, she aspires to be a resource for discussions surrounding pressing challenges faced by Jackson County.
The political backdrop features the Jackson County Legislature, which is tasked with selecting a new interim county executive who must be approved through a majority vote. If the legislature fails to reach a consensus on a candidate, a Jackson County judge will be responsible for appointing an executive. Critics of White’s tenure have cited his opposition to a 30-year sales tax proposal intended to finance improvements for the Royals and Chiefs stadiums, rejected by voters in 2024. Following the failed tax vote, White faced significant scrutiny, culminating in his recall.
Currently, discussions around stadium funding are highlighting a rivalry between the Kansas and Missouri state legislatures concerning incentive packages, adding further complexity to the local political landscape. The Royals have also been exploring possible stadium sites beyond Jackson County, specifically in Clay and Johnson counties.
During her previous tenure as mayor, Barnes was recognized for her role in advancing substantial downtown development projects, which included the Power and Light District, a hallmark of her leadership. Legislative Chair DaRon McGee has publicly supported Barnes’ views on the Chiefs’ stadium while voicing concerns regarding potential losses of green space if the Royals move downtown.
As she commences her temporary role, Barnes has made it clear that she will abstain from involving herself in matters concerning property tax assessment or collection. McGee described her leadership style as steady and fair, underscoring the importance of trust in public service.
Frank White had served as the county executive since 2016 before being recalled. His term’s conclusion marked a significant change in the political dynamics of Jackson County, setting the stage for both opportunity and challenges ahead.
FAQ
Who is the newly appointed temporary Jackson County Executive?
Former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes has been appointed as the temporary Jackson County Executive.
Why was Frank White recalled?
Frank White Jr. was ousted by voters in a landslide election following criticism over his opposition to a 30-year sales tax proposal intended for stadium improvements.
For how long is Kay Barnes expected to serve in her role?
Kay Barnes is expected to hold the position for up to 30 days.
What are Barnes’ positions on the stadiums?
Barnes expressed her intention to support keeping the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium and to advocate for relocating the Kansas City Royals to Washington Square Park in downtown Kansas City.
What is the role of the Jackson County Legislature in this situation?
The Jackson County Legislature is responsible for selecting a new interim executive who must be approved through a majority vote.
Chart: Key Features of Recent Jackson County Political Changes
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Temporary Executive | Kay Barnes |
| Previous Executive | Frank White Jr. |
| Duration of Appointment | Up to 30 days |
| Key Issues | Support for Chiefs at Arrowhead, Royals potential move downtown |
| Jackson County Legislature Role | Selecting new interim executive |
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Kay Barnes Sworn in as Temporary Jackson County Executive
- KMBC: Mayor Lucas’ Reaction to Frank White Recall
- Fox4KC: Kay Barnes Named Interim Jackson County Executive
- Kansas City Star: Coverage on Political Changes
- Google Search: Kansas City politics
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.
