Nolte Clarifies Royals Ballot Misunderstanding

Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte has addressed recent confusion following a press release regarding the county’s involvement in a proposal with the Kansas City Royals. Nolte clarified that while the county missed the deadline to secure a measure on the April ballot, the proposal to bring the Royals to Clay County remains robust and active.

Nolte appeared on Mundo in the Morning on KCMO Talk Radio to clarify the press release that went out on January 28.

“The deadline was not met and that was largely an electoral deadline. Part of the reasoning behind that [press release] was we didn’t want people to think just that, that we were out of the picture. We wanted to make sure people understand that there is a strong and competitive proposal that the county has made.”

Nolte emphasized the significance of holding a public vote, stating that it is essential for the residents of Clay County to have a direct say in such a major decision. “The people of Clay County deserve the opportunity to be heard on this important matter,” Nolte said, reinforcing the county’s commitment to transparency and civic engagement.

The next potential ballot the Royals proposal for public vote could be in August, but as Nolte explained, the Royals have to decide where they want to locate the stadium.

“The Royals need to decide what their way forward is, whether they want to go with an option downtown in Kansas City, which quite frankly is a smaller footprint, or if they want to take advantage of the opportunity of approximately 100 acres in Clay County.”

Mundo also pressed Nolte on a post from Commissioner Withington where Withington said he was “done negotiating with the Royals.” Mundo asked Nolte if the commission is done or not.

“No, the commission is not done. Neither myself nor Commissioner Withington are members of our negotiation team. They [the team] still continue their work. I was talking with a member of the team, and I believe the door is still open.”

Commissioner Nolte also discussed the collaborative nature of the process, highlighting the roles of the state and other partners in making the proposal a reality. Nolte assured the public that Clay County remains dedicated to working together with all stakeholders to bring the Royals to the area and to ensure the best possible outcome for the community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Royals Decline Clay County Relocation Proposal

After nearly three years of discussions, the Kansas City Royals have chosen not to accept a relocation proposal from Clay County, Missouri, officials confirmed this week.

The Clay County Commission, which appointed Commissioners Jay Johnson, Jon Carpenter, and Scott Wagner to lead negotiations, had developed what they described as a strong and competitive offer intended to bring the Royals to Clay County. The proposed plan aimed to support the Royals franchise alongside a new dining and entertainment district, while safeguarding the financial interests of local taxpayers.

Negotiations were timed to fit the Royals’ stated desire for a finalized deal that could be placed on the April ballot. The county’s proposal required acceptance by January 8, 2026, to allow for public feedback and a formal vote by the Commission before presenting the measure to voters. The Royals did not accept the proposal within this deadline, meaning there will be no public vote on the relocation this April.

In a public statement, the Clay County Commission emphasized its commitment to prioritizing residents’ interests in all negotiations. The Commission reiterated that it would not engage in a bidding war with other jurisdictions, focusing instead on fair and responsible agreements with any business considering investment in Clay County.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

NKC Mayor Addresses Ongoing Royals Stadium Discussions

North Kansas City Mayor Jesse Smith announced that the city is still actively engaged in substantial talks with the Kansas City Royals about the possibility of building a stadium and related development within North Kansas City.

According to Smith, these negotiations are part of a larger collaborative process that will eventually involve the State of Missouri, Clay County, and city officials. While some details of the discussions must remain confidential for now, Mayor Smith emphasized his commitment to keeping the public informed and maintaining transparency throughout the process.

Mayor Smith outlined several core priorities guiding the city’s approach. Foremost among them is the protection of North Kansas City’s long-term financial health. He underscored that any agreement must fairly benefit residents, businesses, and the Royals, describing the goal as a “win-win-win” outcome. The mayor also stressed the importance of safeguarding local neighborhoods, assuring residents that game-day operations—including traffic and parking—would not disrupt residential areas north of Armour.

In addition, Smith said the city is focused on leveraging the potential stadium project as a catalyst for broad infrastructure upgrades. North Kansas City has master plans for water, sewer, and other systems, and the mayor sees outside investment associated with the Royals project as a means to accelerate much-needed improvements for the community.

Engagement with local residents, businesses, and the wider Clay County community will be essential if plans progress, Smith noted. He pledged to prioritize open and ongoing communication, ensuring that all stakeholders are part of the process. Mayor Smith concluded his statement by expressing his honor to serve North Kansas City and his ongoing commitment to updating the community as talks continue.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.