Another MO Legislative Session is in the books

“That’s All Folks!” – Another MO Legislative Session is in the books

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.

The Union Hill Garden Tour is back on June 2nd

The 29th Annual Garden Tour returns this Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Union Hill is a walkable, charming historic Victorian neighborhood filled with avid gardeners. Gardens along the walking tour feature everything…
2024 Art In the Loop Project: Visual & Performing Artists Announced

2024 Art In the Loop Project: Visual & Performing Artists Announced

The Art in the Loop Foundation is pleased to announce the 2024 Art in the Loop visual and performing artists. This year marks the eleventh year for the Art in the Loop Project and includes artwork based on photography, painting, digitized illustrations, and more. The Art in the Loop Project is a curated outdoor exhibition of temporary artworks presented in partnership with the KC Streetcar. For 2024, we asked artists to respond to the Spanish word Convivencia and what it means to them and their artwork. Convivencia is a shared life with others that is a constant practice, effort, negotiation, and joint achievement while recognizing friction or opposing energy. We recognize that artists and creatives are familiar with navigating space, energy, and time amongst one another and within their communities. Join us for the Kick -Off Event on June 12!

Downtown Community Improvement District holds it’s 21st Annual Meeting

On April 9, 2024, The Downtown Community Improvement District (DCID) held its 21st Annual Meeting reviewing the accomplishments of the current year and laying out the goals for the upcoming fiscal year. The Ambassadors (also known as “bumble bees”) walk the district, as well as RideKC and KC Streetcar stops, the Central Library, public spaces - including Oppenstein Park, and Ilus Davis Park - The Barking Lot Off Leash Dog Park, streets, parking lots, and events, while meeting and welcoming business owners, employees, residents, and visitors of all ages. DCID Safety Ambassadors are dedicated to ensuring a friendly environment and serve as a first point of contact for emergency needs, maintain order, and act as the eyes and ears for emergency services.

Downtown KC Parks Activated with Summer Music & Performance Series

The Downtown Council, the Downtown CID and Art in the Loop produce 3 different art, music and performance series to activate Downtown KC parks and open spaces throughout the summer! Garment District Grooves returns. Art in the Loop is back with its 2024 theme - Convivencia and new this year is Summer in the City in Oppenstein Park.

Artistic treasure set to open in historic 18th & Vine District

Downtown Kansas City is preparing to welcome an international gem to its already vibrant visual and performing arts scene. The Zhou B Art Center will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, June 1 in the heart of the historic 18th &…
Garment District Grooves

Garment District Grooves is Back!

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.

The Evolution Continues: 2024 DTC Annual Luncheon Recap

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.

Social Venture Studio Announces Third Cohort

The Social Venture Studio is back with the goal of ‘doing well by doing good’, continuing the program for the third year with the announcement of a new cohort. LaunchKC, an initiative of the Downtown Council (DTC) and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC), launched the Social Venture Studio at the beginning of 2022. The four-month accelerator, which supports promising social ventures working to solve social, racial or environmental challenges, has selected seven companies to participate in the program. The initiative aims to support entrepreneurs seeking to provide both social impact and return on investment, received many qualified applications for its second year from companies located in Kansas City and beyond.

Downtown Council April 2024 New Members

The Downtown Council will recognize new members every quarter. This quarter we have two new members, Hoefer Welker, and Wickham James Strategies & Solutions. Hoefer Welker is an architecture and planning company that was founded in 1996, they are a full-service design firm offering architecture, interior design, MEP engineering, and medical equipment planning and technology consulting. Wickham & James Strategies & Solutions is a public relations and communications firm.

2023-2024 River Market CID Annual Recap

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.

Urban Hero: Spotlight on Shanita McAfee-Bryant, The Prospect KC

The Downtown Council has recognized more than 100 small businesses and individuals as Urban Heroes since 2005. Each is passionate about making the urban community a more vibrant place to live, work, and play throughout the 22 adjacent neighborhoods…