The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City has voted to oppose Kansas City Question 1 on the June 18 ballot, which would limit city-conferred economic incentives to 50 percent of their potential value with no exceptions.

The LMC Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a recommendation of its Construction Industry Committee to oppose the issue. Comprised of one-half representatives of labor and one-half from management, the Board requires 75 percent of both groups to agree to a position.

"The LMC has long worked for reasonable, competitive economic incentive programs and policies, and strongly agrees that KCMO's needs reforms. However, the 50% cap with no exceptions would essentially stop most development not already underway within the city, and likely harm the economic development image of the entire metro area. So the Board urges a no vote with continued advocacy for effective reforms" said Bob Jacobi, LMC executive director.

Whether the issue passes or fails, Jacobi said that "we look forward to helping any way we can to achieve an economic incentive process that promotes quality development, jobs for area workers and contractors and does not burden schools and other governments. But clearly Question 1 would kill jobs and ultimately reduce revenues to schools and local government so a no vote is essential June 18."