The Liberty City Council voted to renew the municipal redevelopment program under Chapter 353 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri for the downtown redevelopment area, declaring the area blighted for the purposes of the program and reauthorizing property tax payment incentives for eligible projects within the existing boundaries.

City staff said the program previously operated from 2014 until it sunset in 2024 and that the renewal keeps the same geographic boundary and the same general program rules; properties that previously used Chapter 353 tax incentives will not be allowed to reapply for the same address under the renewed plan.

Council members praised the program’s track record in encouraging reinvestment. Staff reported 36 commercial projects were completed in the prior program cycle, primarily around the downtown square, and said residential investment was “millions of dollars” though precise figures were not provided in the hearing.

Council members and staff discussed potential expansion of the redevelopment zone. Staff advised that if the city seeks contiguous additions to the existing zone it can amend the district, but a noncontiguous expansion would require establishing a separate Chapter 353 zone and follow a blight analysis and state statutory process. Council members requested a study session to evaluate possible expansion areas and the legal steps required.

A member of the public who said she previously benefited from the program asked whether the same address could apply a second time; staff and council members confirmed the renewed program prohibits reapplication for the same address. The citizen urged council to consider allowing reapplication; council said they could consider amendments later.

During the vote the mayor announced the ordinance passed; a council member who lives inside the district announced an abstention because of potential personal benefit.