How should Jackson County spend its remaining $70 million in COVID-19 relief funds? That was the question we posed to you, KCtoday readers. After 300+ poll responses and 250+ Instagram comments, we noticed some trends in your thinking.

Pretty up our public infrastructure

The most commonly shared plan was to repair sidewalks + roads. Outside of saving your mothers’ backs from cracks in the walkways, your ideas for fixing up the county were vast.

“Clean up our cluttered intersection areas that are either overgrown or polluted with trash.” — M. R.

“Put it into local parks, like pools and splash pads, Science City, and the Zoo.” — Jeanne R.

“Divide it equally between four regions (NSEW) to promote tourism, thereby increasing revenue in the areas.” — Leslie H.

Did you know the KCMO has dedicated ~$150 million to improving sidewalks? | Photo by City of KCMO

Help the unhoused population

Kansas City, Missouri is taking a big step toward helping its unhoused population by building its first permanent low-barrier shelter, and people love it. This kind of development is what y'all want mirrored throughout Jackson County.

“Low barrier shelter for unhoused before winter.” — Amy M

“Housing for the unhoused.” — @helianthus.books

“Mental health and help for the houseless and actually having fully staffed people answering 911 calls.” — @elevate_esthetics_parlor

Expand public transportation

One camp saw these funds as an opportunity to build out public transit, especially as we prepare for some huge events.

“Transportation via rail to Arrowhead for the World Cup.” — @peggylkcmo

“Trains.” — @dirty.broke.bored

“Increased public transport will decrease reliance on individual automobiles.” — Jeg

It's a streetcar girl, in a streetcar world. | Photo by @kcstreetcar

Support educators + children’s services

Editor Charm was in this camp along with ~30% of our commenters.

“Why not give this to the teachers that help guide our youth?” — @wbcvisions

“Use for deferred maintenance issues for KCPS — children need a safe, comfortable space to learn.” — Ruth F.

“Provide education and health services for those in need.” — Deborah K.

Invest in small businesses

An overwhelming amount of responses called for these funds to be used to uplift local entrepreneurs.

“Allocate a portion of it to small business grants to help keep the local businesses around! — @ourhouse.kc

“Forgive the business loans from the COVID epidemic.” — Leslie S.

“Economic development for small businesses, such as an area for food trucks near entertainment districts.” — Anonymous

The Sway café is just 10 minutes from downtown. | Photos by KCtoday

Put it in taxpayers' pockets

There was one outlier option that gathered a plethora of voices: do nothing. This faction believes the county should instead give the $70 million back to taxpayers.

“Return that money to us taxpayers for those taxes.” — @mrs_kmtaylor

“Give it back! It is taxpayer money.” – Bryan C.

“Send out checks to the residents. 😒😂” — @juniper_6egw

“Give every Jackson county taxpayer an equal share.” — John H.

“Give it back to the community.” – Kaitlyn F.

More creative spending methods

There were also some witty ways to use the funds highlighted.

“Put it on black.” — @westisbesttt

“I think I speak for everyone when I say another ferris wheel.” — @_castronova_

“A UFO port & landing pad. Something sensible.” — @ajaxanvil

Where the spending stands

Jackson County leaders are currently debating what to do with the money. Their plan must be finalized by the end of this year and all funds must be spent by the end of 2026. If that doesn’t happen the federal government will take it all back.

We’ll follow the money and keep you posted on how the dollars fall.