Downtown Kansas City
Great downtowns are no longer reducible to offices. Now, they are transforming into spaces to live and socialize. Downtown Kansas City has charted this course; mixing live and work together in a thriving, walkable environment.
In 2026, we will build on last year’s celebration of downtown’s transformation by focusing on the connection, collaboration, and momentum shaping Kansas City’s continued growth across neighborhoods. This year’s theme – Welcoming the World, Building on Our Legacy – reflects our commitment to honoring what we’ve built while embracing what’s next.
Each year, the J. Philip Kirk Jr. Award is presented to a leader whose vision, guidance, and commitment have helped set Downtown Kansas City on a path for revitalization. The award’s namesake, J. Philip Kirk Jr., epitomized these qualities. In addition, the Downtown Council annually recognizes individuals who represent a small business or organization passionate about making Downtown Kansas City a more vibrant place to live, work, and play with the Urban Hero Award.
Roy Blunt Luminary Park is a sustainable urban park that will bring Kansas City together like never before, bridging Kansas City’s Central Business District and the Crossroads Arts District and linking adjacent communities.
The Imagine Downtown KC 2030 plan is designed to serve as the primary vision-setting and policy blueprint for shaping a stronger, better, more resilient community with an unflinching commitment to creating an equitable, inclusive, and vibrant Downtown Kansas City.
Businesses, retailers, professional sports teams, and a young educated workforce are fueling Downtown Kansas City’s renaissance. Today, Downtown has become the fastest-growing residential neighborhood in the entire region and the very best place for people and businesses to connect with each other.
Downtown Council of Kansas City
The Downtown Council of Kansas City is a private, nonprofit membership organization representing Kansas City’s best businesses, property owners, nonprofit organizations, and anyone invested in Downtown’s success.
About UsThe Downtown Council serves as the primary advocacy organization for Downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
- Become a MemberWelcoming, Collaborative, Innovative, and Driving Change. Join the Downtown Council and invest in your Downtown.
- AmbassadorsOur ambassadors have transformed Downtown with a simple but ambitious mission: clean, safe, and attractive.
Downtown Council of Kansas City
1000 Walnut, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64106
816.421.1539