Fed World Cup funding to pay for officers, drone defense in KC
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Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Missouri) breaks down federal World Cup funding at CPKC Stadium. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
Kansas City is getting more than $79 million from the federal government for public safety ahead of the World Cup, leaders announced Thursday.
Why it matters: Organizers and public officials want to be ready for anything ahead of the city's massive fan influx this summer, although leaders say there are no specific threats at this time.
Driving the news: Congress is giving KC $59 million from its FIFA World Cup Grant Program, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Missouri) said Thursday at a news conference at CPKC Stadium.
- A large portion of that money will go toward paying for additional officers across law enforcement agencies during the event, including overtime, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at the event.
What they're saying: It's a 24-hour day operation for 39 days, Graves said, adding that residents should expect "a lot more public safety presence, but also a fun, exciting environment."
Between the lines: The grant is part of President Trump's 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with funding authorized from the Department of Homeland Security through FEMA.
- ICE has said its Homeland Security Investigations directorate will be a key part of World Cup safety plans.
The intrigue: Law enforcement is getting an additional $14 million through the federal Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program, designed to "protect the public from hostile drones," according to the grant's website.
By the numbers: Money from previous Congressional funding packages includes more than $2 million to the KC Area Transportation Authority for customer support and safety technology, plus about $2 million to the Mid-America Regional Council for license plate readers.
- And KCPD received more than $2 million for additional police vehicles and aviation technology support.
The bottom line: "These are investments that stay within our community," even after the World Cup, Mayor Quinton Lucas said, "making sure we have the resources to host the next big event."
Go deeper: KC's World Cup Fan Fest: Dates and themes