KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The decision is finally in for Brian Platt.

Kansas City Council voted 13-0 on Thursday to remove Platt as the city manager.

Platte was suspended by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on March 6, one day after he lost a nearly $930,00 whistleblower lawsuit that claimed he encouraged city staff members to lie to the media regarding the city’s accomplishments. Lucas said the lawsuit was not the only factor in Thursday’s decision.

“I think we have said all along that in many ways, the issues were more extensive than just the lawsuit itself; although the lawsuit certainly brought a number of issues that were concerns to us,” Lucas said. “What you had occur was an extensive deliberative discussion from City Council over an amount of time that shows us the reason for acting today. No one enjoys this moment. It is with great disappointment that the step was taken. I think it goes to show the magnitude of concerns and in many ways, the breaking of confidence, from all of us in connection with what we've had on the administrative side of late.”

Platte’s contract was renewed in 2024 at an annual salary of $308,000. He served in the position for four years. Even though it was a regrettable ending for Kansas City, Lucas is not looking back.

“I absolutely do not regret hiring Brian Platt. I think our city is in a strong position in many ways. Our city continues to grow. Our city staff has been better paid,” he said. “There are a lot of things that are good, and I'll give a lot of respect to his tenure. That being said - there are other things that are very important. We need to make sure that there is still satisfaction for everybody who works here, that everyone feels respected, that everybody feels like they can do their best work in an environment that is supportive of them.”

Platt did not attend Thursday’s meeting. Kimiko Gilmore will continue in her role as acting city manager.