KANSAS CITY — A growing chorus of Kansas City business owners is voicing frustration over what they describe as a public safety crisis fueled by weak city leadership. Amid a sharp uptick in property crimes and violent incidents, business leaders are calling for urgent reforms and accountability from elected officials.
At the heart of their concern: Kansas City’s recent ranking among the most dangerous cities in the United States, which many attribute to a lack of meaningful response from municipal leaders. As local entrepreneurs fight to keep their doors open, they say that crime has become a constant and costly threat.
“We’re getting broken into constantly. You call the police, and nothing happens,” said James Holland, a small business owner who operates a retail shop downtown. “It feels like we’re on our own.”
What Kansas City’s Struggles Could Signal for Chicago
While Kansas City headlines this wave of concern, the ripple effects are already being felt in other metropolitan areas—including Chicago.
In neighborhoods such as River North, South Shore, and West Loop, business owners in Chicago have echoed similar fears. Incidents of vandalism, shoplifting, and break-ins have spiked in recent months, putting pressure on both small entrepreneurs and large storefronts alike.
“We’ve had to close early and double our security budget this year,” said a Lakeview restaurant manager, requesting anonymity. “It’s not just bad optics—it’s bad for survival.”
A 2024 mid-year report from the Chicago Police Department revealed a 22% increase in commercial property crimescompared to the same period last year.
With this context, many Chicagoans are beginning to ask: If Kansas City’s struggles are rooted in leadership issues, are we next?
Leaders Face Criticism for Inaction
Across Kansas City, many point fingers at city leadership for what they view as leniency on crime and a failure to act decisively. Local council meetings have become heated, with residents and business owners demanding stricter enforcement, more patrols, and clarity on citywide crime prevention plans.
“They tell us there’s a plan. But we haven’t seen it,” said Dana Murphy, who owns a bookstore near the city’s West Side. “Our streetlights go out and it takes two weeks to fix them. Meanwhile, break-ins keep happening.”
This climate of frustration mirrors sentiments heard in some Chicago wards, where Aldermen have been pressured by local chambers of commerce to implement neighborhood-specific safety initiatives.
Disputes Over Law Enforcement Strategy
City leaders in Kansas City have defended their approach, citing community-based initiatives and attempts to address root causes of crime like poverty and housing instability. But many business owners say those efforts don’t match the urgency of the current crisis.
Critics argue that while long-term solutions are important, short-term crime deterrence—such as visible policing and strict enforcement—must take priority.
Similar debates have unfolded in Chicago, especially after Mayor Brandon Johnson took office with a vision centered on community investment rather than traditional policing methods.
Public Sentiment Shifts in Urban Areas
Recent polling from Kansas City’s Urban Business Council found that 67% of local small business owners feel less safe now than they did three years ago. Moreover, nearly half are considering relocating or shutting down entirely if things do not improve.
In Chicago, a parallel sentiment exists. A spring 2025 survey from a neighborhood business alliance found that 58% of owners rated city safety as “poor” or “very poor.”
“When safety becomes a gamble, commerce dies,” said Jeremy Costas, a regional economic analyst.
A Wake-Up Call for Cities Like Chicago?
The crisis unfolding in Kansas City is not unique—it may be emblematic of deeper issues facing many American urban centers. As business owners rally for change, their voices are becoming a powerful political and social force.
Chicago, with its history of vibrant commercial districts and entrepreneurial spirit, now stands at a crossroads. Will its leadership heed the warning signs coming from cities like Kansas City, or will similar challenges continue to escalate?
“Leadership matters,” says Annette Morgan, a South Side entrepreneur. “We watch what’s happening elsewhere and wonder, is that our future?”
Are you a Chicago resident or small business owner who’s concerned about safety in your neighborhood?
Do you think leadership is taking the right steps—or falling short like in Kansas City?
We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
