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

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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

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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.
Art in the Loop 2025: Closing Reception, Oct. 2

Art in the Loop 2025: Closing Reception, Oct. 2

Wrap up the summer of creativity at Art in the Loop’s Closing Reception on Wednesday, October 2, 5:30 P.M., at the Kansas City Public Library – Central Library. Celebrate the city’s 12th annual outdoor exhibition, presented with the KC Streetcar Authority, and see how this year’s artists explored the theme “Wonder.”
River Market Community Improvement District: Renewed for an Additional 10 Years sq

River Market Community Improvement District: Renewed for an Additional 10 Years

The ratepayers and property owners of the River Market have spoken and have overwhelmingly approved an additional 10 year term for the River Market Community Improvement District (RMCID). The RMCID rolled out in 2005 with clean and safe services aimed at making the River Market the cleanest and safest neighborhood in Kansas City.
Downtown KC Parks Performances Still Going Strong

Downtown KC Parks Performances Still Going Strong

From River Market Melodies to Garment District Grooves, from Summer in the City to Art in the Loop, check out the line-ups for September and October. We hope to see you at a future event!

LaunchKC Grants Program Accepting Applications for 2026 Cohort

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The Downtown Council (DTC) and Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC) are proud to announce that the LaunchKC grants competition will be accepting applications for their signature LaunchKC Liftoff grants competition…