Media Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2025

Jackson County Executive reaffirms commitment to fairness and transparency in property assessment process

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued a letter to the Jackson County Legislature addressing the continued legal uncertainty surrounding the State Tax Commission’s (STC) order to retroactively roll back 2023 property assessments.

The letter comes amid the Legislature’s passage of Ordinance 5958, which directs the County to comply with the STC’s order despite conflicting court rulings and a lack of clear guidance from the STC. County Executive White’s letter outlines the County’s legal concerns, the complexity of the situation and the significant risks associated with moving forward under the current circumstances. Among those risks is an estimated $200 million immediate impact on local taxing jurisdictions, funding that may not be recoverable for agencies such as Kansas City Public Schools and the State Blind Pension Fund.

“I commend the Legislature for holding today’s public hearing and for openly acknowledging the serious complications associated with implementing the State Tax Commission’s order,” White said. “For the first time, a public body has recognized what we’ve long known, that this is not about tax savings but about shifting the burden onto others. If implemented, this would likely result in the highest tax bills in Jackson County’s history. While this ordinance may not affect the legal outcome, it reflects the kind of serious discussion this issue demands. The consequences are real, and we must take them seriously. I will review the ordinance carefully and take appropriate action moving forward.”

In the letter, County Executive White reaffirmed the County’s position that the STC’s order is unlawful and sets a concerning precedent. He also noted that the STC has yet to respond to key questions submitted by the County in August 2024 that are essential to understanding whether the rollback can be implemented in a way that is both legal and equitable.

“We are hopeful that upcoming discussions with the STC will help provide the clarity needed to responsibly resolve this issue,” White said. “But we will not rush into any decision that could misapply the law or create further inequity in our property tax system.”

County Executive White emphasized that Jackson County remains committed to working in partnership with the Legislature, the State Tax Commission and local taxing jurisdictions to find a responsible path forward that follows the law, treats everyone fairly and keeps our community informed.

The County Executive’s letter to the Legislature is attached, along with the County’s outstanding questions to the STC, along with estimates of the potential revenue losses if the rollback is implemented.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 30, 2021

Jackson County Legislature approves mask mandate extension

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, a majority of the Jackson County Legislature voted to extend the County’s public health order requiring mask-wearing in indoor public places for those 5 and older. The health order remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, October 7.

The Jackson County Health Department supports extending the order, which aligns with current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The County currently meets the CDC’s definition of High Transmission designation. Before today’s extension, the health order was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7.

“As elected officials, it is our job to make tough decisions regardless of how unpopular they are,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Today, the Legislature faced that challenge and ultimately, based on the science and data presented to them, acted in the best interest of public safety, not politics. We will continue relying on our public health and medical professionals to guide us through this deadly pandemic since it began nearly 18 months ago. Wearing a mask indoors along with getting more people vaccinated will offer more protection to all of our residents, including children under 12 who are not able to get vaccinated. I commend my colleagues today for standing up for what’s right.”

Under the authority of the County Executive and Health Director, a public health order was issued earlier this month in response to the rising number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations due, in part, to the highly-contagious Delta variant and our region’s low vaccination rates. Since then, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has issued a COVID-19 hotspot advisory for Jackson County and the Kansas City area. Additionally, a health department report to the County Legislature shows the following conditions in the metropolitan area:

• As of August 25, 2021, the Kansas City Region reported 193,842 total cases, an increase from 179,575 total cases reported on August 6, 2021. On the same day, the Kansas City Region reported 2,608 total deaths from COVID-19, an increase from 2,457 total deaths from COVID-19 reported on August 6, 2021.
• As of August 25, 2021, Eastern Jackson County reported 34,923 total cases and 431 total deaths from COVID-19, up from 31,892 total cases and 388 deaths from COVID-19 on August 6, 2021.
• In Eastern Jackson County, the 7-day case rate per 100,000 persons was 306.06 per 100,000 on August 25, 2021. This remains three-times higher than the upper threshold of “High” classification defined by the CDC.
• Of the total population in Eastern Jackson County, 42.6% of residents have completed their vaccination series as of August 25, 2021, an increase of 2.1% over August 6, 2021.
• On August 25, 2021, the Jackson County Health Department received report of six hospitals in Jackson County reporting under 5% capacity to accept new patients.
• Children’s Mercy Hospital, the region’s only children’s hospital, is reporting a general increase in patient volume driven by both a community outbreak of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection and increases in COVID-19 infections among youth.

The County continues to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. All available vaccine options, including the FDA fully-approved Pfizer vaccine, are safe, effective and free. Vaccine clinics can be found by visiting www.jacohd.org/events.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 1, 2021 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. is announcing today his plan to initiate round two of the County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) by recommending $6,239,931 in additional funding. The grant monies received from the federal government would be utilized to continue assisting eligible households in Jackson County outside of Kansas City that are unable to pay current and past due rent and utility bills because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under ERAP Round 2, Community Services League and United Way of Greater Kansas City would continue administering the County’s program. Grandview Assistance Program, Hope House, Lee’s Summit Social Services and Raytown Emergency Assistance Program have served as application hubs for ERAP Round 1 and will be asked to continue to serve as frontline ERAP support in their respective Jackson County communities.

“We have had great success with this program. Our partners have worked tirelessly to ensure that our shared commitment of keeping families in their homes with running water and the lights on is accomplished, but the pandemic is not over and we know many are still in need of help,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “This additional funding will allow us to continue to address those hardships families are dealing with and provide them peace of mind to keep their loved ones safe, housed and healthy.”

The first round of the program’s application portal opened on April 5, resulting in the following to date:

• Eligible renter households paid: 1,578
• Average household assistance: $3,873
• Total household assistance paid: $6,112,994.34
  
  

This equates to 1,578 eviction cases, or potential eviction cases, that program administrators have helped stop. Additionally, there are approximately 900 active applications for assistance in processing.

“We continue to work cooperatively with landlords and tenants,” said Doug Cowan, Community Services League President and CEO. “Our message has always been, and still is, participation in the ERAP process is a win-win-win situation. The tenant gets a fresh start with delinquent bills paid; the landlord gets money they thought might never come through; and our court system is saved from a needless eviction. Eviction is a losing scenario for our tenants, landlords and community at large. Community Services League and United Way will maintain an active presence in the 16^th Circuit Court, helping tenants avoid eviction and helping landlords recoup potential lost rental revenue.”

Earlier this year, the County received $11,550,205 in grant monies from the federal government to launch the emergency rental assistance program. More than 97% of those funds are accounted for.

Once additional funding for ERAP Round 2 is approved, any renter household in Jackson County that is behind on rent or utility payments is encouraged to apply through www.jacksoncountyerap.org or visit Community Services League at 404 N. Noland Road in Independence for assistance filling out the application. Detailed program information is also readily available for Spanish-speaking families at www.jacksoncountyerap.org/espanol.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 23, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, the Jackson County Legislature approved a $1.7 million relocation plan to assist residents of Heart Village Mobile Home Park. The plan includes a partnership with Community Services League (CSL) to provide specialized housing and relocation assistance to families through the use of social workers, a relocation consultant and housing assistance funds.

“Today’s relocation plan is another step forward in the County’s efforts to help the residents of this community find new places to call home,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Hearing directly from the residents again about their needs and concerns is critical to ensuring there is no misinformation as we go through this process. The County is committed to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars and treating everyone fairly and respectfully as evidenced by the decisive action taken today by the County Legislature.”

In addition to a relocation consultant, Community Services League plans to hire two family stability specialists who would work with each family to address their individual relocation needs by conducting the following activities, including and not limited to:

• Greeting and forming a working relationship with the families and mobile home park management
• Conducting a baseline assessment of each family’s individual situation
• Empowering families to use their voice and choice in deciding where to live and helping them navigate schooling concerns
• Advising families about other CSL programs, like Career Trainings, and informing them on other public and private assistance programs that will make their relocation easier
• Providing ongoing support and tracking the outcomes of families for one year

In addition, Jackson County will pay to relocate residents, including moving their homes, as well as provide $10,000 to help cover any additional expenses.

Approximately one month ago, the County Legislature approved the use of $7,050,000 in budgeted funds to acquire the site located at 7000 E. U.S. 40 Highway that meets all of the criteria established by the County’s consultant, JCDC Partners, LLC of Kansas City Missouri. The County has since finalized the purchase of the property.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 19, 2021

Jackson County announces $1.2 million relocation plan

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, Jackson County is announcing a $1.2 million relocation plan to assist residents of Heart Village Mobile Home Park. The plan, subject to approval by the County Legislature, includes a partnership with Community Services League (CSL) to provide specialized housing and relocation assistance to families through the use of social workers, a relocation consultant and housing assistance funds.

In addition to a relocation consultant, Community Services League also plans to hire two family stability specialists who would work with each family to address their individual relocation needs by conducting the following activities, including and not limited to:

• Greeting and forming a working relationship with the families and mobile home park management
• Conducting a baseline assessment of each family’s individual situation
• Empowering families to use their voice and choice in deciding where to live and helping them navigate schooling concerns
• Advising families about other CSL programs, like Career Trainings, and informing them on other public and private assistance programs that will make their relocation easier
• Providing ongoing support and tracking the outcomes of families for one year

In addition, Jackson County estimates that costs for relocation and housing assistance will average $10,000 per household, including $5,000 to help cover any additional expenses.

Approximately one month ago, the County Legislature approved the use of $7,050,000 in budgeted funds to acquire the site located at 7000 E. U.S. 40 Highway that meets all of the criteria established by the County’s consultant, JCDC Partners, LLC of Kansas City Missouri. The County finalized the purchase of the property at the end of last week.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2021 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, Jackson County environmental health officials have revoked the food establishment permit for Rae’s Café in Blue Springs due to repeated violations of the County’s public health order requiring masks. Under Chapter 40 of the Jackson County Health Code, the business is deemed an imminent health hazard and has been ordered to close immediately.

Officials have received multiple complaints in the past two weeks, resulting in the issuance of a warning and two tickets, as well as notice to the owner that failure to wear masks and post the proper signage would result in the food establishment permit being revoked for an imminent health hazard. Three additional complaints of non-compliance with the health order were received this morning prompting today’s action.

“Despite our multiple attempts to work with the business to comply, the owner knowingly and willingly continued to violate the health order,” said Troy Schulte, Jackson County Administrator. “It is clear by the number of complaints we received that people in our community are concerned about the spread of the virus and are holding others accountable to prevent further pain, sickness and death in our community. Our order is in place to protect public health. We are grateful for those businesses who are doing their part to help us get through this pandemic and will continue to act accordingly for those who are not.”

Enforcement of Jackson County’s health orders is complaint-based as it has been throughout the pandemic. The environmental health officials visit places as they receive complaints and have to visibly verify the violation in order to issue a warning or ticket. One warning and education on corrective action is provided before a ticket of non-compliance is issued.

Since the County’s public health order requiring masks took effect on August 9, there have been:

• Over 500 complaints
• 86 warnings
• 22 tickets

So far, the County has revoked permits at three businesses, including Rae’s Café, for non-compliance with a health order over the course of the pandemic. A copy of the letter to Rae’s Café is attached. Complaints about businesses violating the health order can be submitted using this online form.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2021 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fall is near and the Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival is back and better than ever! Usher in the season by spending the day with your family at Jackson County Parks + Rec’s 45^th Annual Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music, Saturday and Sunday, October 2-3, 2021.

The popular open-air event takes place on the grounds of Jackson County Parks + Rec’s Missouri Town 1855, a living history museum on 30 acres that delights visitors with glimpses of life from a mid-19^th century progressive farming community. Jackson County’s health order will be enforced and masks are required for indoor exhibits.

         What:      45^th Annual Missouri Town Fall Festival

         When:     Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

                         Sunday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

         Where:    Missouri Town 1855

                         8010 East Park Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

         Cost:        $10 per car/van

                         $20 per school/commercial bus

At the Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival, the entire village comes alive with the authentic music and dance of the 1850s. Start your holiday shopping with unique gifts, handcrafted by talented artisans. Knowledgeable interpreters will share their passion for bygone skills such as cooking over a wood fire, wood working, blacksmithing, the art of tinsmith and a variety of fiber crafts. Witness the preparation of homemade apple butter and cider. Children will find fun and excitement with the time-honored games that were popular with kids over 150 years ago! 

Additional highlights include:

• Mule-powered sorghum mill, which demonstrates the entire process of sorghum production
• Antique tractor show
• Food court featuring your favorite festival foods
• Children’s games, crafts, and archery
• Entertainment by musicians, dancers, interpreters and storytellers
• Wagon rides

Whether ending your visit with a hay wagon ride or simply strolling through the authentic antebellum architecture, families will enjoy a special day of the sights, sounds and smells of a simpler time! For more information, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com/missouritown. 

About Missouri Town 1855

Missouri Town 1855 is an authentic antebellum farming community located at 8010 East Park Road in Jackson County’s Fleming Park. Owned and operated by Jackson County Parks + Rec, Missouri Town 1855 is comprised of more than 25 authentically furnished buildings dating from the 1820s to 1860s on 30 picturesque acres.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Jackson County Executive’s Office Chief of Staff Caleb Clifford has issued the following statement regarding Rae’s Café in Blue Springs:

“Jackson County is committed to protecting the health and safety of our residents. As part of that commitment, we have issued public health orders when necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. On August 30, 2021, our county legislature approved a 30-day extension to our current health order which requires masks be worn indoors and will be in effect until 11:59 p.m. on October 7, 2021.

“Throughout the pandemic, our residents have continually shown an amazing amount of sacrifice, selflessness and compassion. In particular, our small businesses and their employees have acted heroically despite the risks they face from the virus and non-compliant customers. That is why we are proud to say that we have been able to work with every business owner when we have received complaints and have never had to seek a court order to ensure our public health order is being followed.  

“Despite numerous warnings and attempts by the County to work with the business's owner, she has refused to take corrective action and has made it clear that she has no plans to do so. That is why, for the first time during the pandemic, the County will be seeking a court order to close the business.”

 

Jackson County Health Department Relocates COVID-19 Testing Clinic

JACKSON COUNTY, MO (Sept. 8, 2021) – In preparation for fall and winter weather, the Jackson County Health Department has relocated its drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic to the Douglas Municipal Facility in Lee’s Summit (616 NE Douglas St). 

The new location, which will be used until the end of the year, will give health department staff shelter during cold temperatures and help prevent cancellations due to weather.

Free COVID-19 testing continues to be offered every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the new location. 

Both nasopharyngeal swab and saliva tests, which are used to  detect current COVID-19 infection, are available at this location. These tests can also detect Influenza A and Influenza B infection. 

While making an appointment in advance is strongly encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. Community members can find additional local testing opportunities on the health department’s website.

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The Jackson County Health Department’s mission is to offer services, provide programs, and advocate for policies so that all people have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy. Find more information about how the health department is fostering a community where all people can live their healthiest lives at https://jacohd.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 4, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. – in consultation with Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH and Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Schulte – is recommending a 30-day extension to the County’s public health order requiring mask-wearing in indoor public places for those 5 and older. A majority support of the Jackson County Legislature will be required to extend the order, which is currently set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, October 7.

Extending the health order would align with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Jackson County Health Department and is supported by Jackson County public school district superintendents. The CDC classifies Jackson County and every adjacent county in both Missouri and Kansas as high transmission areas, except for Platte County, which is classified as having substantial community transmission.

“While the data shows we are slowly making progress to limit spread of the virus, we are not yet out of the woods,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Based on CDC guidance, which we have relied upon throughout the pandemic to implement our response, we must continue wearing masks indoors because they work. We’ve seen, for nearly 60 days, that mask-wearing has been an effective approach in protecting our neighbors from contracting the virus. We are hopeful that keeping the order in place for 30 more days will make our community safer, allowing us to reevaluate and move forward accordingly. I continue to encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated as we anxiously await vaccine authorization for children under 12.”

County Executive White and other county officials continue to meet regularly with Jackson County school superintendents to discuss the status of COVID-19 and a collective response. Following last week’s meeting, the area superintendents voiced their support for the county extending its mask mandate in light of high levels of COVID-related hospital admissions and associated staffing shortages. This strain on hospitals has limited the number of available ICU and non-ICU beds and forced facilities to enter periods of diversion.

“Due to the selfless efforts of the Jackson County community, we have made progress in reversing the trend of overall infections, hospitalizations and unnecessary deaths,” said Bridgette Shaffer, Jackson County Health Department Director. “Unfortunately, we continue to face a high level of community transmission and our hospitals are still under significant strain. We are recommending a 30-day extension of the county's mask mandate at this time to further diminish COVID-19’s presence in our community and to protect those who are most vulnerable.”

The state of Missouri has continued to experience a sustained wave of new COVID-19 cases, fueled by low vaccination rates (currently 47.3% of residents are fully vaccinated), the spread of a more pervasive and virulent variant (Delta) and COVID-19 hot spots in Southeast Missouri.

Vaccination is the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as well as stressing the importance of mitigation measures to prevent virus spread. These measures include mask-wearing in public for everyone two years and older and staying at least six feet apart from people who don’t live in the same household.

“With the increase in positivity rates among adolescents, it only makes sense to wear a mask,” said Donald Kauerauf, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “Everything I’ve read, everything I’ve seen, masks work.”

The latest data from the Jackson County Health Department shows:

• The 7-day case rate per 100,000 remains high. On September 29, there were 137.38 total new cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days. This remains higher than the upper threshold of “High” classification defined by the CDC.

• The percent positive has decreased to 7.8%. While this currently meets the “substantial” level of community transmission designation, the CDC guidance determines overall transmission level by the higher of the two values – case rate and percent positivity.
• The 7-day average of daily new cases declined in the Kansas City region from 548 new cases per day on August 24, 2021, to 537 new cases per day on September 28, 2021.

• Vaccination coverage remains low in younger populations. So far, approximately 44% of individuals between 12-17 years old have completed their vaccination series. Approximately 47% of all Eastern Jackson County residents are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This is especially important as the Jackson County Health Department reports that the highest case rates in September were in those ages 10-14, followed by ages 5-9.

The health department’s supporting report for a 30-day extension of the health order is attached. If an extension is approved by a majority of the Legislature, the health order would remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, November 6.