Federal Judge Blocks Kansas City Ban on Section 8 Discrimination

Mayor Quinton Lucas announced that Kansas City will comply with a federal court order suspending enforcement of a year-old ordinance aimed at preventing landlords from discriminating against tenants using Section 8 vouchers. The ordinance was challenged in court by landlords, leading to a ruling that deemed it invalid due to constitutional concerns. Lucas expressed disappointment over the ruling, emphasizing that it jeopardizes housing access for over 17,000 residents awaiting housing vouchers. He urged landlords to collaborate with the city and housing advocates to support those in need, rather than engage in legal battles. The ordinance had aimed to broaden tenant protections by prohibiting discrimination based on income sources. Following the court's injunction, the city will pause investigations into source of income discrimination related to housing vouchers.