The 2024 City of Independence State Legislative Policy is a policy document that expresses the positions of the City for the 2024 Missouri General Assembly Session. The policy outlines the top five issues of importance to the City of Independence and for which the City intends to advocate for in 2024. The five priorities for the 2024 session:
1. Oppose any legislative changes to Economic Development tools.
2. Oppose any reductions, caps or altering of the local sales tax rate.
3. Oppose legislation that would limit local control of rights-of-ways and public assets related to the deployment of wireless facilities and small cell wireless attachments or to charge fees to telecommunication and video service providers that use the public right of way.
4. Support increased funding for mental health services in Independence and Eastern Jackson County.
5. Support funding support for City Tourism Assets including enhancements to the Historic Preservation Tax Credit.
The statements of policy are general and are intended to provide City staff basic direction to respond to bills and amendments that come up throughout the session. Due to the volume of bills and pace of the process it is not practical to seek Council guidance on every bill and amendments that are put forth by the General Assembly.
The Council is provided a weekly newsletter that updates the City of Independence on bills, and other activities of the General Assembly and state government by the Missouri Municipal League. City staff is also available to provide updates on legislation and issues of importance to the City of Independence.