Downtown Kansas City’s Momentum Continues to Build

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For decades, Kansas City leaders, residents, businesses, and community organizations have shared a vision of a more vibrant, connected, and dynamic downtown. Today, that vision is not only taking shape - it is accelerating. What makes this moment particularly exciting is that the momentum is not slowing down. Instead, a new generation of transformative projects is emerging across multiple districts, reinforcing downtown’s role as the economic, cultural, and civic heart of the region.

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.
River Market Community Improvement District

Increased Safety for the River Market

Improving safety remains the number one priority among residents, business owners, and employees in the River Market. In response, the River Market Community Improvement District (RMCID) Safety Program is continuing its expanded security initiative, launched in January 2025, to provide additional overnight security presence throughout the neighborhood.
Discover Art, Music, and Community Across Kansas City This Summer

Discover Art, Music, and Community Across Kansas City This Summer

Have you noticed the striking artwork transforming select KC Streetcar shelters throughout downtown Kansas City? As part of the Art in the Loop 2026 program, eight streetcar shelters now feature original works by this year’s selected visual artists. These vibrant installations enliven the streetcar route, inspire curiosity, and celebrate the stories, cultures, and creativity that define our community.
Downtown KC + Public Space - What’s the ROI? A Conversation with Carol Coletta

Downtown KC + Public Space – What’s the ROI? A Conversation with Carol Coletta

Join us in continuing to build a more welcoming, vibrant Downtown today…and for generations to come.  Together, we can increase our investment in dynamic public spaces that make Downtown KC an exceptional place for all to live, work, play and learn.

New Retail Opportunity in Renovated Barney Allis Plaza: Request for Proposals for Cafe Operation

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The DTC Community Development Inc, a 501(c)(3) entity, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP - Updated June 4, 2026) for the lease and operation of a high-quality cafe located within the reconstructed Barney Allis Plaza, which is set to open in the Spring of 2027.
Downtown KC Business Recognition Event Recap

Downtown KC Business Recognition Event Recap

The Downtown Business Recognition Event celebrates the businesses and organizations that continue to shape the heart of Downtown Kansas City.
Building on Our Legacy - Highlights from this year’s Annual Luncheon

Building on Our Legacy – Highlights from this year’s Annual Luncheon

This past April, more than 1,000 civic leaders, business professionals, community advocates, and downtown supporters gathered for the Downtown Council of Kansas City’s 2026 Annual Luncheon — a powerful celebration of the people, partnerships, and momentum shaping the future of Downtown Kansas City. One of the luncheon’s central themes was the importance of public space activation and the role it plays in creating a thriving, connected downtown.
2026 Art in the Loop Project Kicks Off with Opening Reception on Jun 3, 2026

2026 Art in the Loop Project Kicks Off with Opening Reception on Jun 3, 2026

(Kansas City, Missouri) – Join the Art in the Loop Foundation for a Kick-Off event for the 2026 Art in the Loop Project: Home, on Wednesday, June 3, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library: Central Library, 14 West 10th Street. Guests will enjoy an evening of art and music as they are invited to meet the 2026 performing and visual artists. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a musical performance by the Ryan Marquez Trio. The program also includes storytelling by Beatrice C. Henry and a spoken-word performance by the Hood Dude Food Review. Guests are invited to meet with performing and visual artists for a chance to learn about the work the artists are creating for this year's project. Please join us for this event, which is free and open to the public.
Free-to-attend events coming soon to a downtown park near you!

Free-to-attend events coming soon to a downtown park near you!

As May arrives, Downtown Kansas City comes alive with a fresh season of activity in its parks, transforming these small but vibrant spaces into hubs of connection, creativity, and community. With many of these programs running from May through October, it is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a concert over your lunch break or a beautiful evening with friends and neighbors in the River Market.  A diverse lineup of events and experiences will invite residents, workers, and visitors to step outside and engage with the city in new ways—from live music and pop-up performances to wellness activities and casual gatherings.
2026 Art In the Loop Project: Visual & Performing Artists Announced

2026 Art In the Loop Project: Visual & Performing Artists Announced

The Art in the Loop Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 Art in the Loop performing and visual artists. The Art in the Loop Project is a curated outdoor exhibition of temporary artworks and performance series presented in partnership with the KC Streetcar. This year marks the thirteenth year for the Art in the Loop Project and includes visual artwork based on paintings and digitized illustrations, and performance artwork based in dance, experimental jazz, hip hop, spoken word, and more.
Partnership with Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) Creates Safer Neighborhoods

Partnership with Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) Creates Safer Neighborhoods

The Downtown Community Improvement District rolled onto the streets of Downtown Kansas City in 2003 and in the River Market in 2006. The goals of these two districts are to create clean, safe and vibrant neighborhoods. Since the early 2000’s, these two distinct neighborhoods have seen remarkable changes.