Josh Merchant, The Beacon

Josh Merchant is The Kansas City Beacon's local government reporter.

Stories by Josh Merchant, The Beacon

A voter enters a polling location at the National World War I Museum and Memorial to submit a ballot.

Things to Watch During June 20 Election in Kansas City

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon | June 16, 2023

Kansas City has seen new political players, a worsening affordable housing crisis and escalating tensions with the state-controlled police department.

Passengers wait at a congested KCI pickup line.

One Month Into the New Airport Terminal, KC Has Questions

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon, Josh Merchant, The Beacon | March 29, 2023

The initial reviews for the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport have been generally positive. But some questions have emerged. Here are answers.

KCPD vehicle on patrol.

Inside the Legal Standoff Over Kansas City Police Funding

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon | March 15, 2023

Kansas City’s police board is trying to use the courts to increase police funding. Advocates are worried it could bankrupt the city.

A KC Streetcar passing Union Station on Main Street.

Why is KC’s Transit Agency Involved in Housing?

By Josh Merchant, The Beacon | January 23, 2023

There’s a lot of money behind transit-oriented development, including billions of dollars in federal grants. But some local leaders are concerned about RideKC’s use of tax incentives.

Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks at the Aug. 17 committee meeting, behind yellow KC Tenants protest signs. At least eight KC Tenants leaders gave testimony at this meeting, and dozens of members returned the next day for the City Council vote.

To Attract More Developers, Kansas City Changes its Affordable Housing Ordinance — Again

By Mili Mansaray, The Beacon, Josh Merchant, The Beacon | August 30, 2022

According to KC’s new affordable housing ordinance, the median income for a four-person household is nearly six figures. Advocates say this is a problem.

Artists' renderings for two upcoming RideKC Development Corp. projects

KC Public Schools Frustrated by KCATA Silence on Tax Incentives

By Maria Benevento, The Beacon, Josh Merchant, The Beacon | August 17, 2022

Kansas City Public Schools has criticized the KCTA's development arm for focusing on projects west of Troost and failing to brief the school district on tax break proposals.