What does the future of economic development look like in Kansas City? The mayor and city council hope to answer that question over the next four to six months with the help of a consultant team who will create a new strategic plan for equitable economic development.
It has been said that a dog is man’s best friend, but it turns out that dogs are the best friend of all of our residents and visitors to Downtown and the River Market. To keep up with this tail wagging situation, the Downtown and River Market Community Improvement Districts have created two off leash dog parks.
On May 17th, the Missouri State Legislature wrapped up their 2024 session. With as many ups and downs to rival any rollercoaster found at Worlds of Fun, the session was full of surprises, especially the last few weeks. Two record filibusters – 41 hours by the Freedom Caucus and 50 hours by the Democrats – played out during the end of the session while last minute amendments and bills were being worked on by state legislators.
On Wednesday May 15th, Garment District Grooves will return for its sixth season bringing music and food to the Historic Garment District in Downtown Kansas City. The concert series is produced by the Downtown Community Improvement District (DCID), KC Parks & Recreation, Crossroads Charter Schools, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA). This year, there will be lunchtime concerts on the third Wednesday of each month from May through October from 11:30am to 1:00pm and two evening performances in the fall.
Over 1,000 Downtown KC residents, office workers, property owners, non-profits, and advocates gathered in the Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall to enjoy the 2024 Downtown KC Annual Luncheon. What has become one of the “can’t miss” civic non-profit events on the social calendar lived up to expectations again this year. The theme of the luncheon this year was, “The Evolution of Downtown, Celebrating Kansas City”. The theme was selected to allow the Downtown Council the ability to leverage the luncheon to celebrate the remarkable transformation of Downtown KC over the last 20-plus years while also highlighting the bright future that lies ahead.
On March 5, the River Market Community Improvement District (RMCID) Board assembled to celebrate another year of CID service in the River Market. 2023-2024 represents the 17th year of the River Market CID. While the RMCID Ambassadors continued with the mission of providing a high level of service focused on clean and safe, the board and staff developed new committees and programs to help make the River Market an even stronger community in Downtown Kansas City.
In what has become a hallmark of the Downtown Council’s Annual Luncheon, a small group of individuals and businesses are recognized every year as Urban Heroes for their contributions to downtown. This year, the Awards Committee, under the leadership of Chair Lynn Carlton and Vice-Chair Jennifer Wampler, selected two individuals and two small businesses.
The Downtown Council is pleased to announce city planner and best-selling author Jeff Speck will be the keynote speaker for the luncheon. Based on his experience in city planning, urban design, and the impact of walkability on downtowns, Jeff will share his knowledge about what makes downtowns unique and how cities can continue to make them vibrant and attractive destinations for all. The evening before the luncheon, we will be showing love to the latest group of Urban Heroes. Since 2005, the Downtown Council has annually recognized individuals who represent a small business or organization who are passionate about making Downtown Kansas City a more vibrant place to live, work and play. The award winners will be recognized at a reception in the lobby of the Grand Ballroom from 5pm to 7pm.
Imagine a beautiful early spring day in Downtown Kansas City. There is still a crispness in the air, but the sun is shining, helping to warm your walk as you and your colleagues make your way to the Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall. As you make your way through the front door and up the stairs, your ears pick up the buzz of a thousand voices and your eyes scan the lobby to see table after table of exciting downtown projects. You work your way through the crowd to find your seat, the lights dim, and the video screens come to life with a video celebrating the rebirth of Greater Downtown Kansas City.
As many of us gather with family and friends today and throughout this holiday season, there are those downtown who don’t have that luxury. Everyday of the year, the Downtown Council and our Downtown and River Market Community Improvement District Ambassadors engage with individuals who are unhoused, needing medical attention, or looking for their next meal. Often, that work is done in partnership with one of the many human services organizations operating downtown, but did you know that we also have our own direct connection?
The vision of the Greenline KC is to create an urban trail that loops around greater Downtown Kansas City connecting neighborhoods, showcasing art, and encouraging discovery. That vision is quietly becoming closer to reality thanks to some recent activity happening along the route. When fully built-out, the Greenline will be a 10-mile urban trail loop that will connect the abundant amenities and attractions enjoyed by residents and visitors throughout greater Downtown.
Tucked in the heart of downtown’s historic Garment District, surrounded by brick buildings towering for over 100 years, is a pocket park with a rich history and an even richer future. The stretch of 8th Street between Broadway and Washington used to be the tunnel entrance for an original KC Streetcar line between Downtown and the West Bottoms. When that line was removed, the street was widened, graded, and refinished, creating a beautiful park that hosts the free, monthly concerts running from April through October.
In the early 2000s, Harvey Fried, co-founder of the Historic Garment District Museum and long-time board member for the Downtown Community Improvement District (DCID), hosted free concerts in the park. As a nod to those past concerts and with the opening of the Crossroads Preparatory Academy at 9th and Broadway, a partnership was formed between the DCID, KC Parks, Crossroads Prep, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association to resurrect concerts in the park.