The City of Kearney has adopted an ordinance allowing short-term rentals within city limits, expanding local lodging options as the Kansas City region prepares for increased visitor demand tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kansas City will host multiple World Cup matches in June and July 2026, and communities throughout the region are planning to accommodate thousands of visitors.

The ordinance permits short-term rentals as an accessory residential use and defines them as stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties may be eligible, subject to city standards.

"This ordinance provides flexibility for property owners while maintaining clear standards to protect our neighborhoods," said Mayor Pogue. "As the region prepares for a major international event this summer, we want Kearney residents to have the ability to welcome visitors safely and responsibly."

Operators of short-term rentals must obtain a city-issued permit, comply with occupancy limits, meet parking and nuisance standards, designate a local contact, and renew permits annually.

Permits are non-transferable and may only be held by property owners.

The ordinance follows public hearings and a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and reflects broader regional planning efforts related to housing and lodging demand associated with the 2026 World Cup.

Additional information, including business licensing and permitting requirements, is available at KearneyMO.us.

KPGZ News – City of Kearney

Go North KC is now accepting applications for a Call for Artists to design original artwork for a 20-foot diameter inflatable soccer ball that will be featured at community events and public gatherings in the region.

Bold in scale and designed to be experienced from every angle, the inflatable soccer ball will serve as a highly visible, photo-friendly centerpiece—inviting residents and visitors to engage with art in a fun, accessible format inspired by the global spirit of the game.

This project is an opportunity to spotlight creative talent and bring something truly eye-catching to our community events. We’re excited to see artists’ styles and ideas come to life on a unique three-dimensional canvas.

The selected artist will create a full-surface design for the inflatable soccer ball. Like a traditional soccer ball, the piece is constructed from stitched pentagonal and hexagonal panels, allowing the classic soccer aesthetic to remain visible while still offering artists an expansive spherical surface to design. Artists may choose to reference the panel structure—or design as if the ball were a continuous, uninterrupted surface.

This Call for Artists will be conducted in two phases:

Phase One (Initial Application): Artists submit references of existing work and a brief statement of interest. No original concept is required at this stage.
Phase Two (Finalist Concepts): Five (5) finalists will be invited to create and submit design concepts for the inflatable soccer ball. Each finalist will receive a $100 honorarium.

From the finalists, one artist will be selected and awarded a $2,000 contract to complete the final artwork for production.