Jackson County & Kansas City Agree On Municipal Jail

Update on local facilities and www.TonysKansasCity.com happy to note that brinkmanship proven somewhat successful for 12th & Oak . . .

City of Kansas City and Jackson County reach agreement on municipal jail site

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. announced today that the City of Kansas City and Jackson County have reached an agreement for the sale of a portion of land within the county’s new detention center site, currently under construction and set to open in 2026. The City will purchase this land for $2.3 million to build a dedicated municipal jail facility adjacent to the county’s detention center, following recommendations from both city and county staff and consultants.

The joint recommendation to create two distinct facilities reflects the unique and specific needs of detainees from both jurisdictions. Kansas City Municipal Court’s report on the need for separate facilities emphasized the distinct requirements of detainees awaiting trial on municipal charges. With shorter stays averaging 1.68 days for those not sentenced, and a higher need for stabilization and re-entry support, municipal detainees require a different set of resources compared to those in the county’s facility, where the average stay for male inmates is over 200 days. This approach will allow each facility to operate with focused resources tailored to their detainees’ needs, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer funds and more effective rehabilitation services.

City Councilmember Crispin Rea played an instrumental role in leading the discussions that resulted in this innovative solution. His leadership, alongside the diligence and dedication of staff from both city and county offices, has been essential in reaching this mutually beneficial agreement.

“Today’s agreement is a significant step forward in addressing the needs of both Kansas City and Jackson County detainees,” said County Executive Frank White, Jr. “I commend City Councilmember Crispin Rea for his leadership and vision in making this agreement a reality. I also want to recognize the hard work and dedication of city and county staff, who have worked diligently to bring us to this point. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to public safety and responsible governance.”

“County Executive Frank White, Jr. has shown exceptional leadership and commitment to our community by working collaboratively to secure a fair and balanced deal for the new municipal detention center,” said City Councilman Crispin Rea. “His thoughtful approach in considering the needs of our neighborhoods and ensuring transparency throughout this process has set a high standard for how we move forward together on critical projects. We appreciate his dedication to creating safe, equitable solutions for all residents.”

The City of Kansas City has passed an ordinance accepting the terms of the land sale and authorizing the execution of the contract. In the coming weeks, the Jackson County Legislature will consider the sale agreement for approval. This collaborative effort represents a forward-thinking approach to regional public safety and is expected to serve as a model for other communities addressing similar challenges.

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Developing . . .