Downtown Council to honor Urban Heroes at Annual Luncheon

Urban Hero awards are presented each year at the Downtown Council Annual Luncheon to honor small businesses and individuals who are passionate about making the urban community a more vibrant place to live, work, play, and stay. Three of the 2022 honorees were (from left) Michael Smith, Executive Chef, Extra Virgin and Farina; Elizabeth Rosin, President/Owner, Rosin Preservation; and Jason Parson, President & CEO, Parson + Associates.

The Downtown Council continues a proud, annual tradition of recognizing Urban Heroes – those who are passionate about making Downtown Kansas City a more vibrant place to live, work, play, and stay. This year’s winners will be recognized at the 2023 DTC Annual Luncheon in April.

Urban Hero recipients can be people, businesses, or organizations committed to improving the quality of life either in the heart of Downtown or in the mosaic of 22 neighborhoods and districts that make up greater Downtown KC. The focus is on recognizing the “unsung” heroes who make Downtown better on a daily basis. The Downtown Council has recognized more than 100 (individuals and groups) with this award since 2005.

The 2023 Urban Hero class includes:

  • Edgar Palacios, President & CEO, Latinx Education Collaborative
  • Brian Williams, Director of Development, Folly Theater
  • Rebecca Koop, Owner, Back Door Pottery
  • Lisa Peña, Founder, Urban Hikes Kansas City
  • Shanita McAfee-Bryant, Founder/Executive Director, The Prospect KC

Each of the honorees will be recognized at the Urban Hero Awards Reception on Thursday, April 13 and at the Downtown Council Annual Luncheon on Friday, April 14, at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.