With a Unified Voice, the KC Skyline Lights Up Blue in Support of a Royals Ballpark Downtown

2026 will be a defining year for Kansas City. We will decide where the Royals’ new stadium will be built. But more importantly, we will decide whether we strengthen our connected, revitalized Downtown - or we once again allow a generational…

Roy Blunt Luminary Park: Eating the Elephant One Bite at a Time

2025 was a critical year for Roy Blunt Luminary Park in Downtown KC, marked by significant advancements and strong momentum for this once-in-a-generation endeavor.
Best Wishes this Holiday Season from the Downtown Council

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.
The Ripple Effect: State of Downtown 2025

The Ripple Effect: State of Downtown 2025

On December 3 at the Zhou Brothers Art Center in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, civic leaders, community partners, developers, and residents came together to celebrate downtown Kansas City’s continued momentum. The theme “The Ripple Effect.”  In her keynote address, Lyn Carlton, National Practice Leader for Planning, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture with Burns and McDonnell, shared how strategic investment over time in the city’s core is sparking a new wave in growth, revitalization, and civic pride across the mosaic of 22 neighborhoods that make up Greater Downtown.
Jason Parson

A message from the new Chair of the Downtown Council, Jason Parson

While we’ve achieved great success, there is still tremendous opportunity for growth. It’s important that we continue building on the momentum created by the streetcar, new and improved green spaces like Luminary Park and Barney Allis Plaza, and the many exciting projects on the horizon.  Whether it’s preparing for the 2026 World Cup, exploring a new downtown baseball stadium, or welcoming new businesses and residents, our message must remain clear - downtown is open for business. Achieving this requires collaboration with our local elected officials and with one another - maintaining a healthy, supportive environment that fosters growth and removes unnecessary barriers to progress.

Get Ready for our 2nd annual State of Downtown Event!

The Downtown Council of Kansas City is excited to bring you one of the biggest events of the year, the 2025 State of Downtown, happening Wednesday, December 3rd. This is the gathering where business leaders, city officials, innovators, and community champions come together to celebrate progress, share bold ideas, and ignite the future of Downtown KC.

LaunchKC Reveals 2026 Cohort Fueling the City’s Innovation Economy

,
The Downtown Council (DTC) and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC) proudly announce the eight startup companies selected as recipients of the 2026 LaunchKC grants competition. LaunchKC revealed the winners…

The Ripple Effect: 2025 State of Downtown Kansas City Event, Dec. 3

Downtown Kansas City continues to evolve - growing from a traditional office district into a dynamic, mixed-use neighborhood where people live, work, and play. On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Downtown Council will host the 2nd annual…
Downtown Ballpark District - Best Choice for Region

KC Faces Historic Decision on a new Royals’ Stadium

, ,
A decision may be coming on the Royals Stadium location very soon. And it remains one of the most impactful local development projects in a generation. It will literally shape the future of Kansas City. Now YOU can make your voice heard.…
Downtown KC Goes to DC for International Conference

Downtown KC Goes to DC for International Conference

Downtown Council staff attended the International Downtown Association Conference in Washington, D.C. in early October. The conference provides us the opportunity to meet with our counterparts from across the country, discuss best practices in Downtown management, and consider future trends.
By Jared Campbell, Resident Engagement Project Manager at Downtown Council of Kansas City

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.
Grand Boulevard District: Grand Boulevard Re-imagined

Grand Boulevard District: Grand Boulevard Re-imagined

In 1892, Kansas City’s Board of Parks Commissioners developed the City Beautiful Movement. The idea was to create wide boulevards and parks to enhance the city’s health and increase real estate values through substantial investments in infrastructure and landscaping. In Downtown Kansas City, Grand Boulevard was designated as the City’s ceremonial boulevard. The boulevard at the time, was the widest street in the grid system making it perfect for events and parades. And it worked, the boulevard attracted investment and grand structures such as the Scarritt Building, the Federal Reserve and the Palace Building. But today, Grand Boulevard has lost its prominence. Buildings sit vacant and infrastructure is in need of investment and maintenance. Today, the Downtown Council has created the Grand Boulevard District Plan.