Brady PieperEducation, workforce development and infrastructure win out as Missouri’s government prepares for the World Cup in 2026.
The Missouri legislature approved a new operating budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026, narrowly avoiding the constitutional deadline. While lawmakers declined to move forward with a capital spending bill, the new state operating budget will invest approximately $53 billion into Missouri’s economy, public services and government operations.
The budget will primarily consist of federal funding, accounting for about 48% of the proposal. The state’s general revenue and a combination of other funds will encompass the remaining 30% and 22% of the final budget, respectively.
One of the top priorities for lawmakers was supporting K-12 education and facilities while maintaining a balanced budget. The initial budget proposal stopped $300 million short of fully funding the state’s K-12 formula, before being restored in the finalized version. The restored version also includes additional federal dollars for child care subsidies for families.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be coming to cities throughout the U.S. in the following year. Missouri’s new budget intends to support the sporting event’s journey to Kansas City, earmarking about $40 million to ensure the state is prepared. The funding will support projects related to infrastructure, public transportation and public safety.
This investment for the World Cup will coincide with several other projects that are poised to enhance economic development throughout the state, including funding for rural roads, the operations and capital needed at statewide career centers and postsecondary advising opportunities and services.
Despite progress and approval on the state budget, Missouri lawmakers did not pass a spending bill proposal for project planning and capital improvements, HB19. The more than $500 million spending bill would have supported vital capital improvement projects around the state, such as a future Missouri State Fair livestock barn, an expansion to the University of
Missouri Reactor in Columbia and the Wildwood Campus expansion at St. Louis Community College.
Noting timing and a rising budget, lawmakers axed the legislation, opting for a smaller operating budget with an emphasis on education, crucial infrastructure investments and government services.
While additional capital investments may be revisited in a special session, the state’s proposed operating budget will be sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe for item cuts and final approval. If deemed necessary, the governor may also call for a special session.
