City Of Kansas City, MO Providing $1.4 Million To Support Potemkin Businesses During World Cup In 2026

[hatrack]

Kansas City is launching a new storefront revitalization program this summer aimed at filling vacant properties in the historic 18th and Vine District and other areas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative will offer free or reduced leases in vacant storefronts to selected businesses, with lease terms ranging from three months to a year. Pop-up opportunities and artist residencies could also be an option.

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The city council has allocated $1.4 million to support activation stipends and lease subsidies. The program will provide small businesses and property owners with a fixed stipend to assist with merchandising, staffing or art installation. The lease amount would be determined by location and negotiation with the property owner; those amounts are to be determined.

The city would also assist businesses with licensing and permits, along with other steps in the leasing process. Webster said that helps businesses gain experience. For the initiative to succeed, property owners must also participate by making their vacant spaces available. Webster said one incentive is that this will enhance the aesthetic and economic appeal of that neighborhood.

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https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kansas-city-to-try-vacant-storefront-pilot-program-to-fill-empty-spaces-ahead-of-2026-fifa-world-cup

[BoRaGard]

1. I'm gonna be standing on the corner.

12th St. and vine.

With my KC baby, and my bottle of KC wine.

[brush]

2. Olympic cities always spruce up and built new facilities so charcterizing it as "Potemkin" villages is IMO a...

Last edited Mon Jul 14, 2025, 04:55 PM - Edit history (1)

mischaracterization. It's a good deal for the businesses and the. artists-in-residence, and after the games the new development will still be there and longer leases available. The city and the businesses benefit from the restoration of the historic district.

I imagine the spirits of Jay McShann, Lester Young and Countl Basie of the great jazz and blues scene of KC back in the day may still be around.