City Bureau’s Documenters Network: People-powered news and information

We’re putting every public meeting on the record in

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A network of newsrooms and community organizations committed to participatory civic media.

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We train and pay hundreds of people to attend under-reported public meetings and publish the results.

The Future is Informed

Your elected officials are making big decisions. Keep tabs with regular notes, real-time social media updates, and multimedia reports from Documenters in your area. Together, we’re building a new public record.

Kansas City

Development
April 14, 2026

A Kansas City council committee recommended approval of roughly $2 million for community events held by local organizations. A small rezoning also brought out some opponents.

Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee

Notetaking by

Bunny Pederson

Kansas City

Education
April 8, 2026

The Kansas City, Missouri, school district is using intensive counseling and tracking to ensure its students make it to the finish line.

Kansas City Public School (KCPS) Board of Directors School Board Meeting

Notetaking by

Connye Griffin

Kansas City

Development
April 6, 2026

Commissioners approved the demolition of two fire-damaged buildings along Quindaro Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas. The commission also heard that zoning reforms could eliminate one of its key duties.

Zoning and Planning - Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City Landmarks Commission

Notetaking by

Carolyn Tragasz

Kansas City

Finance
March 31, 2026

A controversial proposed ban on single-container alcohol in five parts of the city dominated the committee’s agenda. In the end, council members could only agree to forward the proposal on to the full council without any pass or no-pass recommendation.

Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee

Notetaking by

Christeen Walker

Kansas City

Finance
March 30, 2026

KCK leaders and residents have long desired a downtown grocery store, and the committee's approval of an agreement with Santa Fe Grocers brings that dream one step closer to reality. The committee also acted on property tax relief and affordable housing.

Board of Commissioners - Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City Economic Development & Finance Committee

Notetaking by

Connye Griffin

Kansas City

Development
March 24, 2026

The committee recommended that the full council accept approximately $1.2 million in federal assistance for HIV/AIDS patients, approve sign regulations in advance of the World Cup, and work to regulate advertising signs on public and private property.

Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee

Notetaking by

Connye Griffin

Kansas City

Education
March 24, 2026

Curriculum decisions took center stage, where members discussed oversight and how clearly expectations are communicated to staff and the community.

Kansas City Kansas Public Schools Board of Education KCK School Board Meeting

Notetaking by

Drew Arends

Kansas City

Education
March 18, 2026

The KCPS board hosted an "On the Road" meeting at Northeast High School, where they discussed improved graduation rates and student performance scores.

Kansas City Public School (KCPS) Board of Directors School Board Meeting

Notetaking by

Connye Griffin

Kansas City

Public Safety
March 16, 2026

Plans to fix dangerous roads in Wyandotte County are moving forward, alongside discussions of rising sewer, stormwater and trash rates.

Public Works & Safety Standing Committee - Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City Public Works & Safety

Notetaking by

Drew Arends

Kansas City

Development
March 9, 2026

A large battery storage project is put on hold while developers seek more community input. City Plan Commission also moved forward with a slate of approvals.

Board of Commissioners - Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City City Planning Commission

Notetaking by

Za'Carriah Simmons

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