Get Ready for our 2nd annual State of Downtown Event!
By Jay James, Membership, Events and Development Coordinator at Downtown Council of Kansas City
Last Chance! Get Your Tickets Now!
The Downtown Council of Kansas City is excited to bring you one of the biggest events of the year, the 2025 State of Downtown, happening Wednesday, December 3rd. This is the gathering where business leaders, city officials, innovators, and community champions come together to celebrate progress, share bold ideas, and ignite the future of Downtown KC.
And this year’s lineup is packed with energy. Along with key updates from city leadership, we’re bringing you a powerhouse panel featuring Dr. Mauli Agrawal (UMKC), Tara Green (OJB Landscape Architecture), Bob Kendrick (Negro Leagues Baseball Museum), and Peter Sloan (HOK) voices shaping KC’s momentum, growth, and next big moves. If you’re invested in the future of our city, you’ll want to be in the room.
2025 Program Lineup
4:00 PM — Registration
Kick off the evening by connecting with leaders and changemakers from across the community.
4:30 PM — Program Begins
Welcome & Introduction
Jason Parson — President & CEO, Parson Associates; 2025–26 Chair, Downtown Council
City Update
Mario Vasquez — City Manager, City of Kansas City, MO
Featured Speaker
Lynn Carlton — National Practice Leader, Planning, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture, Burns & McDonnell
Panel Discussion: Shaping the Future of Downtown
Moderator:
Pat Contreras — Vice President, Business Development, McCownGordon Construction; Vice Chair, Downtown Council; Chair, 2025 State of Downtown Planning Committee
Panelists:
- Dr. Mauli Agrawal — Chancellor, University of Missouri–Kansas City
- Tara Green — Principal, Public Realm Strategies, OJB Landscape Architecture
- Bob Kendrick — President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
- Peter Sloan — Senior Principal Designer, HOK
Closing Remarks:
Mayor Quinton Lucas
Why You Need to Be There
The State of Downtown isn’t just an event, it’s a spark. It’s where ideas take flight, partnerships begin, and the vision for Kansas City’s future comes to life. Come be part of the energy, the conversation, and the momentum shaping the heart of our city.
We’ll see you on December 3rd.
Let’s celebrate, connect, and build the next chapter of Downtown Kansas City together.
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
We’d love to partner with you.
Click the link below for sponsorship details and opportunities:
Sponsorship Info: Click Here
