Entries by Jared Campbell

Don’t Delay! The deadline is fast approaching to sponsor the Annual Luncheon!

Downtown Kansas City’s biggest gathering of the year is almost here. The Downtown Council of Kansas City’s Annual Luncheon returns on Friday, April 10th, with the theme, “Welcoming the World, Building on our Legacy”. The event will bring together more than 1,000 civic, business, and community leaders who are passionate about the future of our urban core. This signature event celebrates the momentum, people, and projects shaping downtown while offering timely insights, inspiring speakers, and the unmatched energy that comes from being in a room full of people who care deeply about Kansas City’s success. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time attendee, the Annual Luncheon is a can’t-miss moment to connect, reflect, and look ahead.

Invest in Downtown’s Future: Become an Annual Luncheon Sponsor

The Downtown Council’s Annual Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, April 10th.  Once again, we will gather at the Kay Barnes Ballroom at Bartle Hall.  The Spirit of Downtown Exhibit Fair will go from 11am to 12pm.  The luncheon will start at 12pm and conclude at 1:30pm.  This civic gathering serves as an opportunity for uniting the community, celebrating the past year’s successes in Downtown Kansas City, and casting a vision for the bright future that lies ahead.

Mark Your Calendars for the 2026 Downtown KC Annual Luncheon on April 10, 2026!

We are thrilled to announce that the Downtown Council’s Annual Luncheon is scheduled for April 10, 2026!  Mark your calendars and prepare for an event full of connection, delicious food, and community spirit. This year, we’re setting the stage for the theme of “Welcoming the World, Building on Our Legacy” by celebrating our status as a host city for the World Cup while also highlighting that the tournament is just one chapter in the legacy we have been building for Downtown KC over the last twenty-plus years. 

Nominations are Open for the Urban Hero Awards

Each year, in conjunction with our Annual Luncheon, the Downtown Council honors a new class of Urban Heroes.  We invite you to participate in the nomination process by submitting the name of someone or some organization who you think deserves to be honored for their impact on downtown.  You can find out more details, including a list of past winners, along with the link to the nomination form at www.downtownkc.org/awards.  The deadline for nominations is January 31st!

Happy Holidays from the Downtown Council

As this year draws to a close, the entire team at the Downtown Council, along with our Downtown and River Market Community Improvement Districts staff and ambassadors, extends our deepest gratitude and warmest wishes to you, our dedicated members and invaluable community partners.

2026 will be an exciting year for the Greenline_KC!

Momentum is building for the Greenline trail system! Not only will 2026 see large sections of the Western, Northern, and Eastern legs of the walkway open up for public use, but we are very excited to announce the Greenline will be the signature project for the spring semester at the KC Design Center.

Art in the Loop Live Performances Kick-off 816 Day Celebrations

This year’s August 16th is shaping up to be the biggest and best 816 Day yet! If you have never heard of 816 Day, it is the Missouri side of our community’s “Area Code Holiday”. Once again this year, the Downtown Council is working with a great group of community partners to offer 816 Day Bingo. But first, the party gets started at the City Market on Saturday, August 16th at 6:00pm for a magical night of music, movement, and soul as Art in the Loop brings together three extraordinary performers who each explore wonder through rhythm, tradition, and self-expression.

Cinco de Mayo in Kansas City

On behalf of the Downtown Council, we hope you had a great Cinco de Mayo! As we continue to build off our Annual Luncheon theme of Connecting Communities, we wanted to highlight how in Downtown KC, this day is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of Mexican culture, especially on the Westside.

Introducing Our CIDs’ Business Liaison Ambassador – Dasia Mendez

My name is Dasia Mendez and I am excited to step into my new role as a Business Liaison Ambassador for the Downtown and River Market Community Improvement Districts. I started my career not working for the man but the mouse—Mickey Mouse. During my time at Walt Disney World, I gained invaluable experience rooted in world-renowned standards of excellence and a customer-centric mentality that I hope will help me flourish in my new role.

Celebrate All Things Downtown This Week

We are so excited to have you join us later this week as we celebrate all things Downtown KC! First, we will gather Thursday evening in the south lobby of the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall for the Urban Hero Awards Reception. This event, from 5pm to 7pm, will recognize five outstanding individuals and small businesses who are passionate about making Downtown Kansas City a more vibrant place to live, work, and play. And then Friday is the 2025 Downtown Council’s Annual Luncheon.

Congratulations to the 2025 Urban Hero Award Winners!

The Downtown Council is thrilled to announce this year’s class of Urban Hero award winners who are making a significant impact in Downtown Kansas City. These individuals and organizations are dedicated to making connections not only in their communities, but throughout downtown through their roles as nonprofits, developers, retailers, and impact makers.