Kansas City’s Community Improvement Districts Unite for a Day of Learning and Collaboration
By Dasia Mendez, Business Liaison Ambassador, Community Improvement Districts
On April 30th, leaders and stakeholders from five of Kansas City’s Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) came together for a unique trolley tour. Attendees included the majors in charge of the Central and East Patrol Divisions and other KCPD staff, city officials such as Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, representatives from the Waldo CID, Truman Road CID, and those listed below. The group had a desire to learn from one another, share best practices, and build stronger collaborative ties across the city.
Representatives from the River Market, Downtown, Independence Avenue, Midtown KC Now (covering the Main St, Broadway, and Wagon Trails CIDs), and Crossroads CIDs spoke during their respective portions of the tour on examples of PIAC projects, working with partners, and areas still needing improvement.
The goal was simple: unite through shared experiences and explore opportunities to support one another.
Downtown & River Market CIDs: A Hub for Art and Advocacy
The tour kicked off in the Downtown and River Market districts, where leaders showcased their stewardship of Oppenstein Park and its signature event series, Summer in the City. This seasonal program celebrates local artists and creates space for community connection. Even in the River Market they have added new programming at City Market Park, River Market Melodies.
Challenges, however, remain—such as the rise in nuisance businesses contributing to hotspots of crime and disorder. In response, the Downtown CID has made beautification a top priority, including a remarkable 1,723 instances of graffiti removal in 2024 alone.
Independence Avenue CID: Reclaiming and Revitalizing Spaces
Next, the group visited the Independence Avenue CID, known for its initiatives like the Storefront Improvement Rebate Program which helps businesses revitalize their facades.
Leaders also discussed ongoing safety challenges in the community. What once were neglected, unsafe spaces have been transformed into clean, welcoming corridors—including one standout project that converted an alley into a garden-lined walkway adorned with murals. In 2024 alone, they cleared over 20,000 pounds of trash from 17 alleyways.
Perhaps most inspiring is their focus on harm reduction. Trained “Avenue Angels” now have received Narcan training. They are also home to a free Narcan dispensary box—in partnership with Spalitto Pharmacy and Care Beyond the Boulevard—that is installed for public use.
Midtown KC Now: Rooted in Renewal
At Midtown KC Now, attendees learned how the district serves eight neighborhoods, including the recently added Wagon Trails Community Improvement District. With only one-third of the population remaining from the 1950s, Midtown is working diligently to invite new residents by supporting housing and development projects.
One recent win includes the revitalization of Murray Davis Park, where Midtown KC Now added landscaping as part of their beautification and infrastructure efforts. Projects supported through PIAC funding have helped reimagine this community space by adding new curbs and increasing greenery.
Crossroads CID: A Vision for the Future
The final stop was the Crossroads District, a soon-to-be-official CID. Their proposed focus areas include crime prevention, street cleanliness, and maintaining the district’s unique small business culture.
One idea shared by community leader Lara Gray was adopting a “Paris Model,” where the city could own and lease vacant buildings to small businesses—transforming blight into opportunity and fostering entrepreneurship.
A Shared Mission for a Stronger Kansas City
Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw has this to say about the tour “Thank you so much for including me in last week’s CID Bus Tour—it was truly an inspiring experience.What stood out most to me was the heart behind each district’s work. From the storefronts being revitalized to the neighbors taking ownership of their blocks and alleys, it was clear that these Community Improvement Districts are more than just boundaries—they’re places of pride, resilience, and vision. It reminded me that real change happens when community and leadership come together with purpose. I left the tour not only more informed, but deeply encouraged by the passion and dedication of those working every day to make our neighborhoods better.I’m grateful to have been part of it. Thank you for everything that you all are doing to improve our city.”
Across every district, there was a common thread: a commitment to tackling homelessness, reducing crime, and beautifying Kansas City. Each CID brought its own strengths, challenges, and visions—but all were united in their dedication to making Kansas City a place where businesses can thrive and communities can flourish.
