Downtown Council’s Annual Luncheon is this week! (April 10th)

Downtown Council's Annual Luncheon in this week!

By Jared Campbell, Resident Engagement Project Manager at Downtown Council of Kansas City

We are excited to have you join us later this week (Friday, April 10th) as we celebrate all things Downtown Kansas City!

We will kick things off Thursday evening in the south lobby of the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall for the Urban Hero Awards Reception from 5–7 p.m. This special gathering honors five outstanding individuals whose passion and leadership continue to make Downtown Kansas City a more welcoming and vibrant place. Each of these honorees reflects the spirit of service and collaboration that continues to move Downtown forward.

This year’s Urban Hero honorees are:

  • Bethany Alzanadi (Art Garden KC)
  • Dulcinea Herrera (Café Corazón)
  • Bruce Holloway – Community advocate for the West Bottoms neighborhood
  • Rob & Deborah Reiman – Community advocates for the River Market neighborhood
  • Courtney Thomas (Newhouse)

On Friday April 10th, we gather again for the 2026 Downtown Council Annual Luncheon. Plan to arrive at the Grand Ballroom around 11 a.m. to enjoy an hour of networking and explore the booths at the Spirit of Downtown Exhibition Fair. We encourage you to walk, bike, scooter, or hop on the KC Streetcar. If you plan to drive, the closest parking option is the Arts District Garage with an entrance on Wyandotte between 16th and 17th.

The luncheon program will begin at 12 p.m. with opening remarks from Downtown Council Board Chair Jason Parson. We’re also thrilled to welcome Carol Coletta as our featured speaker. Carol will be joined on stage by Downtown Council’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Ann Holliday for a conversation on how public space activation within such projects as the Roy Blunt Luminary Park, Barney Allis Plaza, Rock Island Bridge and the Greenline will build on our legacy of downtown revitalization. Carol will be sharing stories from her career overseeing projects like Tom Lee Park and her work in cities as a Bloomberg Fellow.

We are also honored to be presenting Warren Erdman with the J. Philip Kirk Jr. Award in recognition of Community Vision and Downtown Stewardship.

We look forward to celebrating with you and highlighting the momentum shaping Downtown Kansas City in 2026. See you soon!

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