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Leawood lays groundwork for FIFA/World Cup events, readies new permitting portal
Summary
Council members reported plans for FIFA/World Cup watch parties, a 3-on-3 soccer tournament and a small-business grant program tied to the Kansas City metropolitan events; staff said a new enterprise permitting and licensing portal is expected to launch the first week of December, consolidating business-license categories and streamlining inspections and payments.
Councilmembers Lisa Kane and Lisa Harrison, who serve on an executive committee for city FIFA/World Cup activities, gave an update on planned community events and outreach tied to the Kansas City metropolitan area's 2026 World Cup, including watch parties, a June 13–14 3-on-3 soccer tournament, a small-business grant program and a July Fourth parade and celebration.
Kane said the city has formed subcommittees (branding, small-business grants, cleanup and events) and is working with partners such as the Leawood Chamber; she noted early sponsorship success and said Kansas City Current has committed to participate in Leawood events and watch parties. "So all are welcome. We are all on the same team," Kane said, urging residents, HOAs, schools and businesses to get involved.
Assistant City Administrator Stephen Powell briefed the council on an enterprise permitting and licensing system that is near implementation and "we're very hopeful that it'll be the first week in December" to go live. Powell said the system will be a one-stop portal for permits, inspections scheduling, license applications and payments, and will tie into new finance software. He also said the city will collapse 53 business-license categories into 27 to simplify the application process and adjust fees to accommodate the new platform.
Council members said the small-business grant program will move quickly, with decisions expected in January 2026; staff also noted follow-up work on event transportation and viewing-rights costs remains to be determined.
The city emphasized the dual focus of creating short-term event activities tied to the World Cup and building longer-term legacy initiatives for residents and businesses.
