Open data, open records, primary sources.

The metro produces a lot of public data, but most of it lives in a half-dozen different portals and a thicket of "open" formats. This page is the map: where things actually are, and how to file a records request when something isn't in a portal.

Open data portals

To use the CivicBrands directory exports directly, see Use the KC data.

KCMO open data: data.kcmo.org · 311 calls, crime, permits, budget, council votes, real-estate listings, etc.
MARC Data Commons: datacommons.marc.org · regional demographics, transportation, environment
UG of Wyandotte County: data.wycokck.org
Johnson County KS Open Data: opendata.jocogov.org
Jackson County MO GIS: jcgis.jacksongov.org · parcel maps, ownership
KC Scout: kcscout.net · highway traffic, cameras
Census Bureau (federal): data.census.gov

Public records requests

Missouri Sunshine Law

Missouri's RSMo Chapter 610 ("Sunshine Law") requires public bodies to provide records and open meetings. Each city/county designates a custodian.

You can email, mail, or use an online form.
Response within 3 business days (acknowledgment); production "in a reasonable time."
Fees: copy fees and "research time" beyond 10 minutes can be charged. Always ask for an estimate first.
If denied, you can sue in circuit court. Attorney General's office handles complaints: ago.mo.gov/sunshine

KCMO custodian: kcmo.gov/sunshine

Kansas Open Records Act (KORA)

Kansas K.S.A. 45-215 et seq. — similar regime. Custodians respond "as soon as possible."

Requests can be informal but written is safer.
Fees similar: actual cost of reproduction, plus staff time over a threshold.
If denied or ignored, complaint to KS Attorney General KORA Office: ag.ks.gov/open-government

Police data

KCPD (Kansas City Missouri Police Department) is unusual — it is controlled by a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners, not by the city. KCMO funds KCPD but does not control it. This has implications for police data and accountability.

KCPD public records: kcpd.org/open-records
Use-of-force, incident data: partially on KCPD's site; advocates have argued for broader release
KCKPD (Kansas City KS Police): kckpd.org
Other metro PDs: Independence, Lee's Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, etc. each have their own records process.

Court records

Missouri Case.net: courts.mo.gov/casenet · MO state court records, statewide
Kansas court records: kscourts.org
Federal PACER: pacer.uscourts.gov · fees apply
CourtListener (free PACER mirror): courtlistener.com

Elections data

Jackson County MO Election Board results: jcebmo.org
KCMO Election Board: kceb.org
MO Secretary of State: historical statewide results
Johnson County KS Election Office: jocoelection.org
Wyandotte County KS Election Office: wycokck.org

Working journalists + investigators

If you are a working journalist or research, these orgs have helped on specific stories:

MuckRock: file FOIA/Sunshine requests with tracking · muckrock.com
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press: legal support · rcfp.org
The Documenters program (KC): trained note-takers at public meetings · documenters.org
The Beacon (nonprofit newsroom): kcbeacon.org
The Kansas City Star: for major investigations · kansascity.com
KCUR 89.3: public radio, investigative pieces · kcur.org