Kansas City businesses are grappling with a surge in property crimes, as evidenced by the increasing number of storefronts with boarded-up windows and doors. In response, the Kansas City, Missouri City Council is poised to vote on an ordinance aimed at providing financial assistance to small businesses affected by these incidents.
The proposed Back to Business Fund would offer up to $3,000 to cover repair costs for damages incurred between July 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025. Additionally, businesses could receive up to $5,000 for implementing security measures during the same period. To be eligible, businesses must possess a current Kansas City, Missouri business license and provide documentation of the incident or security installation costs.
Joe Giammanco, owner of City Barrel Brewing Company, views the fund as a step in the right direction but acknowledges its limitations. “This is a band-aid to a bigger problem that has hit society as a whole,” he stated. Giammanco emphasized that the issue extends beyond Kansas City, affecting neighboring areas such as North Kansas City, Overland Park, and the West Bottoms.
Mayor Quinton Lucas addressed the proposed fund during a press conference held in front of City Barrel in Waldo, which had recently fallen victim to a break-in. The event highlighted the widespread nature of these crimes across various Kansas City neighborhoods.
In the River Market area, Blue Nile Café owner Daniel Fikru
experienced a break-in on September 11, resulting in thousands of dollars in damages. Despite the incident, Fikru maintains that the area is generally safe, stating, “We never had any issues.”
Nearby, Donutology also fell victim to criminal activity. Owner Andrew Cameron estimated losses of approximately $3,000, which included both property damage and lost business due to forced closure the following day.
While appreciative of the city’s recognition of the problem and the proposed fund, Cameron expressed that the measure may not be sufficient to prevent future break-ins. Some business owners are calling for more proactive measures to address the root causes of these crimes.
Giammanco echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the issue requires a deeper, more comprehensive solution than simply providing funds for repairs and security upgrades. He stated, “It’s a greater and more of a bigger, deeper problem within KCMO, I think, than just helping to fix a window and providing more cameras.”
The proposed Back to Business Fund represents an attempt by city officials to address the immediate financial burden faced by small businesses in the wake of property crimes. However, the response from business owners indicates a desire for more long-term solutions that address the underlying factors contributing to the rise in criminal activity.
As the City Council prepares to vote on the ordinance, the business community remains cautiously optimistic about the potential impact of the fund. While it may provide some relief to those affected by break-ins and property damage, many see it as just one piece of a larger puzzle in combating the rising tide of property crimes in Kansas City.
The situation underscores the complex challenges faced by urban areas in balancing support for small businesses with broader crime prevention strategies. As Kansas City moves forward with this initiative, it will likely continue to seek additional ways to create a safer environment for businesses and residents alike, recognizing that a multi-faceted approach may be necessary to effectively address the issue of rising property crimes.