2025 State of Downtown

Building on the expanded vision introduced in 2024, this year’s event will continue to explore how downtown is evolving into a resilient, mixed-use, and highly livable district. Central to our theme is the concept of the ripple effect. As revitalization of the center continues, it is like dropping a pebble in a pond, creating a ripple. Investing in the center has an economic ripple effect on the neighborhoods surrounding the central business district.

This year's program will highlight three major development initiatives - the 18th & Vine District, Roy Blunt Luminary Park & Barney Allis Plaza’s redesigned public space, and the UMKC Health Sciences District. We will explore how these projects are catalysts for a ripple effect of economic growth, neighborhood revitalization, and civic pride across our urban core.

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Registration & Arrivals

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Program

Welcome
Jason Parson, President & CEO, Parson Associates, 2025-26 Chair, Downtown Council

Remarks & Update
Mario Vasquez, City Manager, City of Kansas City, MO

Featured Speaker
Lynn Carlton, National Practice Leader for Planning, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture, Burns & McDonnell

Panel Discussion

• Moderator: Pat Contreras, Vice President, Business Development, McCownGordon Construction, Vice Chair, Downtown Council & 2025 State of Downtown Planning Chair
• Dr. Mauli Agrawal, Chancellor, University of Missouri, Kansas City
• Tara Green, Principal, Public Realm Strategies, OJB Landscape Architecture

• Bob Kendrick, President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
• Peter Sloan, Senior Principal Designer, HOK

Closing Remarks
Mayor Quinton Lucas, City of Kansas City, MO

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Reception

• 10 tickets to the event
• Company logo prominently displayed on event materials and at the event
• Recognition with logo and link as a corporate sponsor on the event website
• Exclusive company feature in (1) dedicated email to DTC Membership
• Acknowledgment from the stage during the event program and in social media surrounding the event
• Opportunity to distribute collateral and/or branded swag at the event (item to be mutually agreed upon by the sponsor and Downtown Council, Inc.)

• 8 tickets to the event
• Company logo displayed on event materials and at the event
• Recognition with logo and link as a corporate sponsor on the event website
• Dedicated signage for specific event element sponsor
• Acknowledgement in social media and PR efforts surrounding the event

• 5 tickets to the event
• Company logo displayed on event materials and at the event
• Recognition with logo and link as a corporate sponsor on the event website

• 2 tickets to the event
• Company logo displayed on event materials and at the event
• Name recognition and link as a corporate sponsor on the event website

To secure your sponsorship, please complete the . Please contact Ashley Broockerd at with any questions.

Also check out other Business events in Kansas City, Health & Wellness events in Kansas City, Arts events in Kansas City.