Entries by Bill Dietrich

Downtown Kansas City: A New Era of Growth and Connection

Downtown Kansas City is undergoing the next phase in its historic transformation which has been fueled by more than $10.8 billion since 2000. Today there is ongoing investment of an additional $2.6 billion and over $8 billion in planned projects in the next 5 years. This surge of growth is rooted in the philosophy that “Downtown is for People,” focusing on the creation of a dense, walkable, mixed-use environment that attracts a diverse tapestry of users and fosters human connection.

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A Legacy of Vision and Kindness – Bill Dunn Sr.

Bill Dunn Sr.’s life was not merely long in years but deep in impact. At 102 years old, Mr. Dunn was a bridge between the Kansas City of a century ago and the vibrant, inclusive Downtown Kansas City we celebrate today. To live for more than a hundred years is a gift; to spend those years in tireless service to one’s community is a legacy.

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Look What’s Coming Your Way! Activating Public Spaces in Downtown Kansas City

Several new public amenities are coming to Greater Downtown Kansas City. Urban public spaces are the lifeblood of a city, serving as anchors for community well-being and cultural vitality. The thoughtful activation of these spaces—including linear parks, pedestrian paths, and repurposed infrastructure—is essential for transforming underutilized areas into dynamic social and recreational destinations. These projects encourage connection, foster physical activity, and allow neighborhoods to showcase their unique identities.

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Downtown KC – Connecting Communities

Social connectivity is the heart of our Downtown, from conversations at the City Market to laughter at street festivals and friendships formed on park benches. When our Downtown environment encourages these interactions, it builds a thriving community. Regular social contact reduces stress and increases happiness.

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20-year ¼ cent, Kansas City, MO Public Safety Sales Tax extension unanimously endorsed by Downtown Council

The Downtown Council, along with the Downtown and River Market Community Improvement Districts, have continued to prioritize a focus on crime and safety with our city and community partners. From our dialogue with leadership from the city, Kansas City Police Department, the County Prosecutor’s office, and downtown stakeholders, we have seen a renewed focus on adding resources to impact this issue. One of the key components in how this issue is addressed has been the need for a municipal rehabilitation and detention center. The Downtown Council’s board was pleased to endorse the city’s desire to extend a quarter-cent sales tax for public safety to build such a new facility.

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Downtown Council unanimously endorses $474 Kansas City Public School District’s General Obligation (GO) Bonds

The Downtown Council Board of Directors, at the January board meeting, voted unanimously to endorse the $474M GO Bond campaign to renovate buildings and make facility improvements for the Kansas City Public School District. If passed, KCPS would receive $424M and 9 charter schools would receive $50M. Voting will take place on April 8, 2025. If passed, the bond would cost taxpayers 64 cents/day for homes valued at $200,000 and raise $474M to support the schools.

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Chiefs & Royals Kick off “Yes” Campaign for April 2 Vote

The campaign to continue the existing ⅜ cent sales tax to keep the Chiefs and the Royals in Jackson County for the next generation of major league sports fans and everyone in our community is underway!  This proposal takes a good deal and makes it exponentially better. Both teams have held press conferences in the last few weeks and have shared their visions for the future.  We are pleased to share a few images with you to spark your enthusiasm.

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Thank You Downtown Council Members

The Downtown Council of Kansas City, Missouri (DTC) is a not-for-profit membership organization that advocates, plans, and works for a stronger, more resilient Downtown Kansas City. Today we would like to thank our 170+ businesses and non-profit organizations for supporting us!

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Key metrics show resilience of Downtown KC renaissance

At our recent Downtown Office Summit, we shared research developed by one of our data providers, Placer.ai, a national provider of anonymous location data from mobile device use. We gathered real-time user data to measure Greater Downtown KC’s recovery and compare the numbers of residents, employees, and visitors with those from 2019. The story it tells is that our Greater Downtown is experiencing a higher percentage of employees returning to the office than most downtowns nationally, as well as when compared to suburban and single-use office districts. We are ahead of the curve.

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Downtown Ballpark District delivers for KC neighborhoods, citizens, and economy

It’s been said that baseball stadiums are never only about baseball. Truer words have never been spoken in relation to the conversation our community is having around the future home of the Kansas City Royals. At this moment, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a world-class baseball stadium in Jackson County and Kansas City while raising the economic and community benefits for our surrounding neighborhoods as well as the entire region. 

In the Royals’ open letter to the community last November, they stated three criteria that would guide the search for their new home: real and measurable community impact, economic growth, and an enhanced quality of life for the citizens of our region, with an emphasis on historically under-represented members of our community. If these criteria remain the top priorities for the Royals, then Downtown Kansas City is the clear and best choice for our community.

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