CIDs to provide services to Port KC + Dish serves winter options

CID Ambassadors to provide contract services to Berkley Riverfront

The Downtown and River Market Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) have reached an agreement with Port KC (the Port Authority of Kansas City) to provide maintenance contract services to benefit visitors and residents to Port KC properties on the riverfront, effective this month.

“The agreement between the CIDs and Port KC is designed to enhance an enjoyable and safe experience along the riverfront,” said Sean O’Byrne, executive director of the CIDs and vice president of the Downtown Council of Kansas City. “We are committed to assisting Port KC in developing a clean, safe, and delightful experience for neighboring residents and visitors.”

Founded in 2002, the Downtown CID (DCID) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining a clean, safe, green and economically healthy Central Business District of Downtown KC. It led to establishing the River Market CID (RMCID) in 2006 and providing services to the River Market District and the Historic City Market. The yellow-and-black clad CID Ambassadors (or “bumblebees”) dress in their traditional yellow and black uniforms as they patrol their neighborhoods, including Ride KC and KC Streetcar stops, key intersections, streets, parking lots and special events.

The CID-Port KC agreement will provide services to the riverfront, complementing the ongoing, daily commitments of DCID and RMCID Ambassadors. Port KC amenities are located along the Missouri Riverfront from the Town of Kansas Bridge at 2nd & Main, east along the Heritage Riverfront Trail, and on east to Interstate 29/Kit Bond Bridge.

“The CID Ambassadors have done so much to improve the quality of life throughout Downtown,” said Jon Stephens, president & CEO. “As Port KC continues to establish the greater riverfront as a vibrant neighborhood, it was a natural step to deepen our relationship with the ambassadors.

“Along with the Port KC team, Berkley Park neighbors and guests will now have the Ambassadors as a regular presence to assist and support our world-class destination.”

The CIDs maintain several contractual agreements with Downtown area entities including the City of Kansas City, the General Services Administration, Jackson County, the Kansas City Public Library, KC Streetcar Authority and now Port KC. These contracts make up 17 percent of the DCID’s annual revenue.

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Dish shines warm light on winter dining, activities

The Downtown Dish is turning up the heat (a tough job on these bitter cold days) on promoting carryout dining options, as well as news and winter activities in greater Downtown KC.

Check out these four recent podcast episodes that will warm your heart and your imaginations for winter fun and dining tips:

• Support your Downtown area restaurants with carryout dining over the winter months, including the KC Carryout Challenge that offers a $50 restaurant gift card prize drawing for dining out on Wednesdays now through March.
• Spotlight on the immersive, outdoor snow globe dining and drinking experience at Hotel Kansas City.
• Take a hike in Downtown KC – even in the winter – via the Urban Hikes Kansas City portfolio of outdoor/indoor hikes and eats in various neighborhoods, galleries, coffee shops and restaurants.
• Meet KC’s newest publisher, Trish Mitchell, and her new All-Black Everything magazine, focusing on Black-owned businesses, living, health care and dining.

The Downtown Dish is a free, weekly podcast on the Downtown dining, drinking and retail scenes. It is made possible by the Downtown Council, the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the KC Streetcar and Lynchpin Ideas. Check out the next episode of the Dish – available beginning every Thursday evening – as well all 40 episodes since May – at https://www.youtube.com/DowntownDish.

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