Proud of my Home Town

[dblack]

EDIT: This is not a sports thread, please don't move it. The topic is the practice of state and local governments "competing" for corporate attention with tax breaks and special favors. The Chiefs bit is just an example.

I grew up in and around Kansas City, Missouri. Mostly, I just wanted to get out and eventually did that. But in the last few years, I've really enjoyed being a KC Chiefs fan. Mahomes is a blast to watch and it was nice seeing the "home team" - which never could quite break through, even with some pretty good teams in the nineties - build a "dynasty".

But recently the team, the organization, really let me down with their political scheming, trying to get the government to buy them a new stadium.

This is where I get to the proud part. I don't think government should give special breaks and "free shit" to anyone, least of all well-heeled NFL teams. But the Chiefs were antsy and wanted a shiny new stadium, financed by taxpayers. They threatened to move to Kansas if their demands weren't met. Even though I didn't want to see the Chiefs move, I was pleased that the residents of Jackson County (KCMO) told them to buzz off, and voted down the proposal to give them what they want. So, the Chiefs announced they are moving to Kansas, where they're being showered with money and benefits.

I put this in "Politics" rather than the sports section because that's really the part I want to talk about. The practice of states and municipalities competing for large companies to move there, with tax abatements or straight up gifts, is just wrong. It's a gross violation of equal protection and we shouldn't allow it at any level. If a state wants to attract more business by lowering taxes - for everyone - then great. But to single out specific companies for special treatment should be an affront to all Americans.

It's official: The Kansas City Chiefs are moving from Missouri to Wyandotte County, Kansas

A major tax incentives package approved Monday by Kansas lawmakers will help the Chiefs build a new $3 billion domed stadium.

www.kcur.org

 

[OODA_Loop]

Kansas City Mo is a shithole.

Kansas City among top 10 most dangerous cities in U.S., new ranking says

https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article305044456.html

 

[Lockback]

Art Modell tried to get the city of Cleveland to buy him a new stadium and they refused and he moved my (once) precious Browns to Baltimore.
Team owners holding cities and counties hostage for building them multi-billion dollar stadiums is nothing new. But, unfortunately, it's an ugly side to sports and punishes the taxpayer. These owners are billionaires. Let them pony up at least a good portion of the funding.

 

[dblack]

Art Modell tried to get the city of Cleveland to buy him a new stadium and they refused and he moved my (once) precious Browns to Baltimore.
Team owners holding cities and counties hostage for building them multi-billion dollar stadiums is nothing new. But, unfortunately, it's an ugly side to sports and punishes the taxpayer. These owners are billionaires. Let them pony up at least a good portion of the funding.

The same thing goes regularly, as states compete for financial investment and corporate attention. This is exactly why the Commerce Clause is in The Constitution. It's right and proper for the federal government to intervene. Equal protection is a national value that all states must adhere to.

 

[my2¢]

I've heard of sports districts set up for public funding of stadiums and arenas through sales taxes generated within the district. But seeing what they're done in Kansas (link: The Kansas City Star) in which they've included areas far beyond the stadium and new training facility, seems nuts. I never heard about any public vote on the matter, national news and sports headlines I noticed only mentioned the Kansas legislature.

Was this something the State of Kansas pushed down the local citizens' throats?

 

[dblack]

I've heard of sports districts set up for public funding of stadiums and arenas through sales taxes generated within the district. But seeing what they're done in Kansas (link: The Kansas City Star) in which they've included areas far beyond the stadium and new training facility, seems nuts. I never heard about any public vote on the matter, national news and sports headlines I noticed only mentioned the Kansas legislature.

Was this something the State of Kansas pushed down the local citizens' throats?

I'm not sure. It's the general practice that offends me. How did we ever let this become a thing?

 

[Toddsterpatriot]

EDIT: This is not a sports thread, please don't move it. The topic is the practice of state and local governments "competing" for corporate attention with tax breaks and special favors. The Chiefs bit is just an example.

I grew up in and around Kansas City, Missouri. Mostly, I just wanted to get out and eventually did that. But in the last few years, I've really enjoyed being a KC Chiefs fan. Mahomes is a blast to watch and it was nice seeing the "home team" - which never could quite break through, even with some pretty good teams in the nineties - build a "dynasty".

But recently the team, the organization, really let me down with their political scheming, trying to get the government to buy them a new stadium.

This is where I get to the proud part. I don't think government should give special breaks and "free shit" to anyone, least of all well-heeled NFL teams. But the Chiefs were antsy and wanted a shiny new stadium, financed by taxpayers. They threatened to move to Kansas if their demands weren't met. Even though I didn't want to see the Chiefs move, I was pleased that the residents of Jackson County (KCMO) told them to buzz off, and voted down the proposal to give them what they want. So, the Chiefs announced they are moving to Kansas, where they're being showered with money and benefits.

I put this in "Politics" rather than the sports section because that's really the part I want to talk about. The practice of states and municipalities competing for large companies to move there, with tax abatements or straight up gifts, is just wrong. It's a gross violation of equal protection and we shouldn't allow it at any level. If a state wants to attract more business by lowering taxes - for everyone - then great. But to single out specific companies for special treatment should be an affront to all Americans.

It's official: The Kansas City Chiefs are moving from Missouri to Wyandotte County, Kansas

A major tax incentives package approved Monday by Kansas lawmakers will help the Chiefs build a new $3 billion domed stadium.

www.kcur.org

The Chicago Bears are trying the same thing.
They have a shitty deal and an old stadium and could make much more money if they build their own.
So, they should build their own.

But they're begging for tax dollars.

They're going to move to Arlington Heights, they're going to build on the South Side of Chicago, they're moving to Indiana.

Nobody wants to throw tax dollars at them. LOL!

It's exhausting.

 

[jc456]

EDIT: This is not a sports thread, please don't move it. The topic is the practice of state and local governments "competing" for corporate attention with tax breaks and special favors. The Chiefs bit is just an example.

I grew up in and around Kansas City, Missouri. Mostly, I just wanted to get out and eventually did that. But in the last few years, I've really enjoyed being a KC Chiefs fan. Mahomes is a blast to watch and it was nice seeing the "home team" - which never could quite break through, even with some pretty good teams in the nineties - build a "dynasty".

But recently the team, the organization, really let me down with their political scheming, trying to get the government to buy them a new stadium.

This is where I get to the proud part. I don't think government should give special breaks and "free shit" to anyone, least of all well-heeled NFL teams. But the Chiefs were antsy and wanted a shiny new stadium, financed by taxpayers. They threatened to move to Kansas if their demands weren't met. Even though I didn't want to see the Chiefs move, I was pleased that the residents of Jackson County (KCMO) told them to buzz off, and voted down the proposal to give them what they want. So, the Chiefs announced they are moving to Kansas, where they're being showered with money and benefits.

I put this in "Politics" rather than the sports section because that's really the part I want to talk about. The practice of states and municipalities competing for large companies to move there, with tax abatements or straight up gifts, is just wrong. It's a gross violation of equal protection and we shouldn't allow it at any level. If a state wants to attract more business by lowering taxes - for everyone - then great. But to single out specific companies for special treatment should be an affront to all Americans.

It's official: The Kansas City Chiefs are moving from Missouri to Wyandotte County, Kansas

A major tax incentives package approved Monday by Kansas lawmakers will help the Chiefs build a new $3 billion domed stadium.

www.kcur.org

Chicago Bears are threatening the same thing to move to Indiana across the border. Seems to be the new thing. Fans who supported their teams for decades get the finger from these franchises.

 

[dblack]

Chicago Bears are threatening the same thing to move to Indiana across the border. Seems to be the new thing. Fans who supported their teams for decades get the finger from these franchises.

Well, they'll get the finger back. The Missouri/Kansas split isn't necessarily a friendly one. I know lots of people who aren't renewing season tickets, even though the actual move won't be for several years.

 

[jc456]

Well, they'll get the finger back. The Missouri/Kansas split isn't necessarily a friendly one. I know lots of people who aren't renewing season tickets, even though the actual move be for several years.

The question always is will the fans really leave the team. As those old tickets are not renewed, someone else will buy them. The team never gets the finger from the fans, too many fans who aren't as demanding.

 

[dblack]

The question always is will the fans really leave the team. As those old tickets are not renewed, someone else will buy them. The team never gets the finger from the fans, too many fans who aren't as demanding.

Then they can foot the bill.

The question, from my perspective, is why do we allow this kind of scheming at all? It's essentially bribery, or extortion. And I blame the states. They shouldn't be "for sale".

 

[BrokeLoser]

EDIT: This is not a sports thread, please don't move it. The topic is the practice of state and local governments "competing" for corporate attention with tax breaks and special favors. The Chiefs bit is just an example.

I grew up in and around Kansas City, Missouri. Mostly, I just wanted to get out and eventually did that. But in the last few years, I've really enjoyed being a KC Chiefs fan. Mahomes is a blast to watch and it was nice seeing the "home team" - which never could quite break through, even with some pretty good teams in the nineties - build a "dynasty".

But recently the team, the organization, really let me down with their political scheming, trying to get the government to buy them a new stadium.

This is where I get to the proud part. I don't think government should give special breaks and "free shit" to anyone, least of all well-heeled NFL teams. But the Chiefs were antsy and wanted a shiny new stadium, financed by taxpayers. They threatened to move to Kansas if their demands weren't met. Even though I didn't want to see the Chiefs move, I was pleased that the residents of Jackson County (KCMO) told them to buzz off, and voted down the proposal to give them what they want. So, the Chiefs announced they are moving to Kansas, where they're being showered with money and benefits.

I put this in "Politics" rather than the sports section because that's really the part I want to talk about. The practice of states and municipalities competing for large companies to move there, with tax abatements or straight up gifts, is just wrong. It's a gross violation of equal protection and we shouldn't allow it at any level. If a state wants to attract more business by lowering taxes - for everyone - then great. But to single out specific companies for special treatment should be an affront to all Americans.

It's official: The Kansas City Chiefs are moving from Missouri to Wyandotte County, Kansas

A major tax incentives package approved Monday by Kansas lawmakers will help the Chiefs build a new $3 billion domed stadium.

www.kcur.org

It’s just more of the same.
Government investment to compel economic stimulation / growth.
No different than tax code and many other things.
It could be worse, Lost Angeles and all blue shitholes ‘invest’ taxpayer cash in Mexico’s people and other foreign trash with no chance at ROi.

 

[Independent thinker]

EDIT: This is not a sports thread, please don't move it. The topic is the practice of state and local governments "competing" for corporate attention with tax breaks and special favors. The Chiefs bit is just an example.

I grew up in and around Kansas City, Missouri. Mostly, I just wanted to get out and eventually did that. But in the last few years, I've really enjoyed being a KC Chiefs fan. Mahomes is a blast to watch and it was nice seeing the "home team" - which never could quite break through, even with some pretty good teams in the nineties - build a "dynasty".

But recently the team, the organization, really let me down with their political scheming, trying to get the government to buy them a new stadium.

This is where I get to the proud part. I don't think government should give special breaks and "free shit" to anyone, least of all well-heeled NFL teams. But the Chiefs were antsy and wanted a shiny new stadium, financed by taxpayers. They threatened to move to Kansas if their demands weren't met. Even though I didn't want to see the Chiefs move, I was pleased that the residents of Jackson County (KCMO) told them to buzz off, and voted down the proposal to give them what they want. So, the Chiefs announced they are moving to Kansas, where they're being showered with money and benefits.

I put this in "Politics" rather than the sports section because that's really the part I want to talk about. The practice of states and municipalities competing for large companies to move there, with tax abatements or straight up gifts, is just wrong. It's a gross violation of equal protection and we shouldn't allow it at any level. If a state wants to attract more business by lowering taxes - for everyone - then great. But to single out specific companies for special treatment should be an affront to all Americans.

It's official: The Kansas City Chiefs are moving from Missouri to Wyandotte County, Kansas

A major tax incentives package approved Monday by Kansas lawmakers will help the Chiefs build a new $3 billion domed stadium.

www.kcur.org

You need to look at the bigger picture.

 

[BrokeLoser]

Was this something the State of Kansas pushed down the local citizens' throats?

Local citizens elect the city council, the city council acts on their behalf.

 

[1srelluc]

DC will spend about $1.1 billion on the new Commanders stadium project, which includes contributions from the Commanders and other funding sources. This amount is part of a larger total project cost of $3.6 billion, which also includes the Commanders' investment of $2.7 billion for the stadium itself.

Not great, not terrible, as far as stadium funding goes I guess.

At least there's a metro stop right there so you won't get ass-raped on parking like in MD.

 

[my2¢]

Local citizens elect the city council, the city council acts on their behalf.

I've read that the district is comprised of portions of a couple of counties. From what AI tells me, local taxpayers were entirely shut out, as the outline for the tax district was determined by the Commerce Secretary appointed by the governor:

The approval process for the Kansas stadium STAR Bonds involved the Kansas Commerce Secretary establishing a district, an agreement being negotiated between the state and the Chiefs/Royals, and then needing final approval from the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) before full execution, allowing financing for the new $4 billion complex via future sales tax revenue in that district, a public-private partnership with Kansas covering ~60% and the teams ~40%.
Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Legislation & Authority: Kansas law (K.S.A. 12-17,181) empowers the Secretary of Commerce to create Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond districts for major projects like stadiums.
2. STAR Bond Creation: The Secretary of Commerce establishes a STAR Bond District, defining its boundaries, to finance the stadium project.
3. Project Agreement: A formal agreement outlines the public-private partnership, detailing funding (Kansas covers about 60%, teams 40%), the teams' responsibilities (rent, operations), and the use of STAR Bonds.
4. LCC Approval: This critical step involves the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC), a group of state lawmakers, reviewing and approving the agreement.
5. Bond Issuance: Once approved, the state issues bonds, which are repaid using the new sales tax generated within the defined STAR Bond District.
6. Full Execution: After LCC approval, the agreement is fully signed and becomes effective, allowing construction to proceed.

If AI has it correct, it seems totally forced upon the local taxpayers by the state to me.

 

[jc456]

Then they can foot the bill.

The question, from my perspective, is why do we allow this kind of scheming at all? It's essentially bribery, or extortion. And I blame the states. They shouldn't be "for sale".

I agree. Again, the only option is for fans to say f you and they won’t.

 

[dblack]

It’s just more of the same.
Government investment to compel economic stimulation / growth.
No different than tax code and many other things.

Exactly. And it's one of my biggest beefs with the way the taxation power is used, federally or at the state level.

 

[d0gbreath]

The Raiders have moved 4 times now. Other teams have too, but the Raiders hold the record by one.

 

[jc456]

The Raiders have moved 4 times now. Other teams have too, but the Raiders hold the record by one.

Same reason