KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mayor Lucas and City Council today (Thursday) approved an
ordinance establishing a five-year moratorium on permits, licenses, zoning and other
approvals for non-municipal detention facilities in Kansas City. The measure, introduced
by Mayor Lucas, comes as press reports indicate Kansas City is under consideration as
a potential site for a mass detention facility holding up to 10,000 persons.
The ordinance applies to any application to establish or expand detention, corrections or
carceral facilities not owned or operated by the city through January 15, 2031. The
moratorium applies to any pending and future applications.
The city will use all available legal tools to enforce the moratorium.
"We consistently hear from residents that Kansas City's focus should be on economic
development and housing, not mass detention facilities holding thousands," Mayor
Lucas said. "Our priority is building businesses, homes, and schools that
strengthen and grow our community."
BREAKING NEWS: Kansas City Passes Moratorium on non-Municipal Detention Facilities
