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At Health Forward Foundation, we’re committed to providing timely updates on key local and federal policy developments that impact the health and well-being of our communities. This resource is designed to help our advocacy partners stay connected to the issues, opportunities, and decisions shaping our region.
Mayor Christal Watson will host a series of community conversations throughout the year. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for residents to engage directly with local leadership. The last conversation focused on community safety, affordable housing, and building inclusive neighborhoods. Learn more about upcoming Christal Clear Conversations on the Unified Government website.
The Board of Commissioners is considering a temporary moratorium on special use permits for detention centers and jails. The proposed measure aims to prevent or limit the establishment of new immigration detention centers in Wyandotte County. In January, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, adopted a broader five-year ban. These local actions reflect ongoing efforts to protect residents – particularly immigrant communities and communities of color, who are disproportionately impacted by immigration enforcement.
In February, the UG Board of Commissioners approved the use of sales tax and revenue bonds (STAR bonds) to help finance a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, along with an entertainment district and practice facility. The STAR bond district will direct future sales tax revenue toward the project that would otherwise support the Unified Government’s budget. At the time of approval, a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) had not yet been established between the county, the team, and other stakeholders. CBAs are an important tool for helping ensure that large-scale development benefits the broader community, especially communities of color and residents who are paid low wages who are most at risk of displacement. Health Forward will continue to monitor this process.
The City of Iola Land Bank is now accepting donations of residential properties to be developed into affordable housing. Eligible properties must be vacant and measure at least 50 feet by 100 feet. Donors must hold clear title to the property and be current on all property taxes. At this time, the city will donate parcels to developers committed to building affordable housing.
Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly is hosting the State of the County address on April 14 from 3-5 p.m. at the Olathe Conference Center at Embassy Suites. During the speech, Chair Kelly will reflect on progress made over the past year and outline priorities for the year ahead. A live stream link will be available on the County website.
On April 21, Johnson County Housing Services, the City of Overland Park, and Kansas Legal Services will host the Fair Housing Forum for Renters at 6 p.m. at the Matt Ross Community Center. RSVPs are required. Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential to community health and this event will help renters understand their rights and better advocate for themselves. Visit Johnson County or City of Overland Park website for more information.
Voters have the opportunity to weigh in on municipal and county races, as well as ballot measures on or before Tuesday, April 7. Local elections have a direct impact on daily life, and local officials are often the closest to the needs of the community.
Voters will decide whether to adopt the Senate Bill 3 property tax cap. If approved, property tax increases would be capped at five percent or the Consumer Price Index, unless a property is improved or voters approve a higher levy. As with Cass County, this property tax cap proposal is subject to the outcome of pending litigation.
Additionally, the State Auditor has notified Lafayette County that it will be reclassified as a third-class county effective January 1, 2027. This reclassification will have implications for how county government is structured and how resources are allocated. The reclassification is expected to reduce the amount of state and federal funding the county receives, which may impact staffing levels and the delivery of county services.
Voters who live within the city limits of Kansas City, MO, will decide whether to extend the one percent earnings tax on income. The tax applies to anyone who lives or works in the city and is Kansas City’s single largest source of revenue. It funds core city services that communities rely on every day, including trash collection, street maintenance, and fire and EMS services. The earnings tax was first implemented in 1963 and has been set at one percent since 1970.
A “yes” vote will keep the earnings tax for another five years. A “no” vote will begin a gradual phase-out over the next 10 years, after which Kansas City would be permanently prohibited from reinstating the tax. Without this revenue, Kansas City would have to make significant budget cuts or raise other city taxes, like sales tax, to offset the loss. Extending the earnings tax is especially critical right now as the state legislature considers eliminating the state income tax, another major funding source for essential services. For these reasons, Health Forward Foundation supports extending the 1% earnings tax in Kansas City, Missouri.
In February, the Kansas City, MO City Council approved Ordinance 260140 to invest $1 million in the Housing Gateway Program. The program is designed to rapidly expand housing infrastructure and address homelessness. Administered by the Office of Unhoused Solutions, the program will provide short-term rental assistance, security deposits, utility payments, and tenant protections.
On April 7th, the city is hosting a Community Summit to review draft recommendations for improving US-71 and reconnecting the Eastside. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. James United Methodist Church. This is an important opportunity for Eastside residents, whose neighborhoods were intentionally fragmented by highway construction, to shape infrastructure decisions that directly affect their community. The construction of US-71 divided a historically Black community, displacing approximately 10,000 residents. Current efforts aim to address the long-term economic, social, health, and safety issues caused by the roadway.
Applications for Round 6 of the City’s Housing Trust Fund opened on March 30. Two information sessions for prospective applicants will be held on April 6 and April 9. Visit the city’s website for more information. The Housing Trust Funds supports projects that create, preserve, and expand long term affordable housing for households who are paid the low wages. To date, the fund has supported 45 projects, resulting in 2,278 affordable housing units. Established by ordinance in 2018 and first funded in 2021, the fund has received $75 million in total support, including $50 million approved by voters through a ballot initiative. Additional funding will likely be needed to continue addressing the city’s affordable housing needs.
On March 2, the County Legislature voted to halt all county-level approvals for non-municipal federal immigration detention centers.
The County is also requiring local nonprofits to refile their applications for real property tax exemptions. Applications are due by March 31, 2026, for the 2026 tax year. This requirement is part of an effort to standardize the property tax assessment process, and nonprofits will be required to reapply for exemptions every two years moving forward.
Voters in Cass County will decide whether to freeze property tax on homesteads for eligible homeowners. This question appears on the ballot because of Senate Bill 3, passed by the Missouri Legislature last June. However, two lawsuits challenging the bill’s constitutionality are still pending, meaning the measure could be overturned even if approved by voters. One lawsuit argues that the bill violates the Missouri Constitution by creating a tax credit without providing replacement funding for affected taxing districts.
Voters will also elect a representative to serve on the Cass Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for overseeing hospital operations, including approving the budget and establishing policies. Decisions made by the board have a direct impact on health care access for residents across Cass County.
Personas área de propósito
In early 2026, the United States Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriation Act, allocating $116.8 billion to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The legislation maintains funding for key federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and extends mandatory funding for community health centers. These centers play a critical role in expanding access to primary care by reducing barriers such as lack of insurance and geographic distance.
Recently, a federal judge temporarily blocked HHS’s proposed overhaul of the federal vaccine schedule. The court also ruled that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to replace individuals on the CDC’s independent vaccine advisory panel, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), did not follow federal legal procedures. As a result, vaccine guidelines will revert to its pre-June 2025 status while the case proceeds.
Historically, ACIP has operated as an independent panel of experts responsible for evaluation vaccine safety and effectiveness and issuing recommendations on vaccine use. Concerns have been raised by public health stakeholders about the qualifications of newly appointed members and the potential for bias. At this time, the committee’s work remains on hold pending further legal action.
Área de potencia
The Trump administration is pushing Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would impose new photo ID requirements for in-person and mail voting, require IDs to include an explicit U.S. citizenship marker, and mandate that states submit voter rolls to the Department of Homeland Security for citizenship verification. Critics argue that these measures could create additional barriers to voting and limit people’s ability to participate in decisions that affect their health and well-being.
Place purpose area
On January 29, President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at improving housing affordability. The first directs federal agencies to reduce housing regulatory barriers and create incentives for state and local governments to streamline permitting and development. The second order focuses on easing mortgage regulations to help community banks provide home loans more easily.
On March 12, the U.S. Senate passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The Senate’s version of the bill would limit large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, expand access to USDA home repair loans for low-wage households, and require annual reporting on the health of rural housing programs. The bill now returns to the House, where it faces an uncertain future due to the differences between the House and Senate versions. Limiting institutional investor activity in the housing market is a intended to increase access to affordable housing and prevent people from being priced out of homeownership, particularly communities of color and others who have experienced systemic disinvestment.
Zona de uso de la plataforma
Across Kansas, Missouri, and the nation, nonprofit organizations play a vital role in supporting community well-being — connecting people to health care, housing, food, and the civic engagement. This work is especially critical for communities of color and rural communities.
A recent federal development threatens to disrupt that work. in December 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo directing federal law enforcement to prioritize investigations of organizations deemed to engage in “domestic terrorism.” Following this directive, the FBI and IRS established a joint task force to investigate nonprofits for potential ties to terrorism and possible tax violations.
Legal experts have raised concerns that the memo’s broad language, targeting groups described as promoting “anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, or anti-Christianity,” could extend beyond organizations connected to violence. They warn this could create a chilling effect on advocacy efforts, particularly for organizations focused on racial equity, immigrant health and economic justice.
Health Forward believes that communities are healthiest when organizations can advocate freely for policies that shape health and well-being. We are closely monitoring this development and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
