KCRAR Introduces Model Property Tax Relief Ordinance

KCRAR has released a new Model Property Tax Relief Ordinance, developed by the Association’s Public Policy Committee to help cities and counties respond to rapidly rising property taxes.

Across the Kansas City region, many homeowners are feeling the strain of sharp assessment increases and inconsistent tax practices. Local governments are also grappling with how to maintain essential services without placing additional pressure on residents already struggling with affordability. The ordinance was created to give jurisdictions a practical, ready‑to‑use framework for addressing these concerns.

What the Ordinance Provides

• Stronger relief for vulnerable homeowners. The ordinance outlines ways cities and counties can streamline enrollment in existing state programs and create local supplements or bridge assistance to help long‑time homeowners stay in their homes.
• Guardrails on large assessment spikes. It recommends caps or phased‑in increases for unusually large jumps in taxable value, while still allowing increases tied to new construction or major improvements.
• Greater transparency in tax‑setting. The ordinance includes Truth‑in‑Taxation style requirements—clear notices, public hearings and online dashboards—so residents can understand how tax rates are set and how revenues change over time.
• Tools for long‑term affordability. It provides options for property‑tax deferral programs, improved oversight of economic‑development incentives and exploration of land‑value taxation where permitted.
• A regional perspective. Recognizing that tax pressures don’t stop at city borders, the ordinance encourages jurisdictions to explore regional tax‑base sharing to reduce disparities and stabilize revenues.

“Property tax affordability has become one of the most pressing issues for both residents and local governments in the Kansas City metro,” said KCRAR Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, James Toy. “The Public Policy Committee designed this ordinance to give policymakers a clear, adaptable roadmap they can use immediately—whether to strengthen homeowner protections, improve transparency or modernize tax practices.”

KCRAR will continue working with local officials and community partners to support policies that keep homeownership attainable and neighborhoods stable throughout the region.