Davids Hosts World Cup Conversation on Public Health and Safety
KANSAS CITY, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids, founder of the bipartisan Congressional FIFA 2026 World Cup Caucus, hosted her latest World Cup Community Conversation focused on public health and safety planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing together local, state, regional, and federal leaders, trade professionals, and community experts to coordinate efforts ahead of the tournament.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup gives our region a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shine, but it also means more cars on the road, bigger crowds at stadiums, and more pressure on our first responders and hospitals,” said Davids. “Thanks to federal investments and close coordination with local leaders, we’re making sure people can get where they need to go, stay safe in their communities, and enjoy the games without worrying about emergency services or public health challenges. This is a team effort, and I’m excited for all the hard work to pay off.”
During the panel, Davids emphasized the progress made through bipartisan federal support to ensure host cities are ready to welcome millions of visitors while keeping residents safe and healthy. Davids worked across the aisle to secure $625 million in federal funding to strengthen safety and security in all 11 U.S. World Cup host cities, $59 million of which is coming to Kansas City. It will help fund first responders, emergency services, crowd management, and public health resources throughout the event.
Kansas City will host six matches and serve as the home base for four teams during the FIFA 2026 World Cup. With thousands of visitors expected, the region could see $650 million in economic activity. To prepare, Davids has helped secure $100 million in federal investment for transit improvements and helped coordinate regional planning through Johnson County United, ensuring safe, efficient transportation and strong public health and safety measures for residents and visitors alike.
On today’s panel, Davids was joined by Dr. Bryan Beaver, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Kansas; Major Abigail Martinez, Commander at the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; Gordon Mallory, Assistant Special Agent at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Director of Emergency Services and Homeland Security at the Mid-America Regional Council; and U.S. Marshal Ron Miller.
Other invitees included:
- AdventHealth
- Children’s Mercy Hospital
- City of Kansas City, Missouri, Aviation Department
- City of Leawood
- City of Olathe
- County Board of Commissioners
- Dentons US LLP
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
- Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas
- Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
- Johnson County Community College Police Department
- Jackson County, Missouri
- Johnson County
- Johnson County Airport Commission
- Johnson County Board of Commissioners
- Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
- Kansas City Sports Commission
- KC2026
- Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)
- Kansas Medical Emergency Department Action Consortium
- Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department
- Kansas City, Kansas Police Department
- Kansas Highway Patrol
- League of Kansas Municipalities
- Lenexa Police Department
- Mid-America Regional Council
- Office of Congressman Emanuel Cleaver
- Office of Congressman Mark Alford
- Office of Congressman Sam Graves
- Office of Kansas Senator Dinah Sykes
- Office of U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt
- Office of U.S. Senator Josh Hawley
- Olathe Fire Department
- Ottawa, Kansas, Police Department
- Overland Park Police Department
- Park Police Department
- Saint Luke’s
- Shawnee, Kansas, Police Department
- Spring Hill Police Department
- Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County
- United States Secret Service
- University Health
- University of Kansas Medical Center
- Wyandotte County Emergency Management
- Wyandotte County Public Health Department