Imagine Downtown KC – Q3 Update

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Imagine Downtown KC – Quarterly Report 8.20

Economic development and the KC 2026 FIFA World Cup took center stage at the Imagine Downtown KC Steering Committee meeting on Aug. 20 at the Downtown Council. 

Led by committee chair Jason Parson, the 90-minute session featured briefings on several fronts, including the City of Kansas City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan; an update on the KC 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations; and insights into the Housing for All efforts in Downtown KC.

 Housing for All

Jared Campbell, DTC Resident Engagement Manager, provided the committee with an update on efforts towards Housing for All, one of the six Transformative Strategies in the Imagine Downtown KC Strategic Plan.

The Downtown Council recently re-established a Housing Task Force chaired by Doug Stockman, Principal, Multifamily Market Leader, Director of Architecture at Helix. The task force will focus on developing strategies and policy recommendations that promote more housing of all types for Greater Downtown KC and the City of Kansas City.

The group’s initial focus will be research:

  • To better understand the housing ecosystem in Downtown Kansas City from emergency shelter beds to LIHTC units to market-rate buildings
  • Identify the current housing policies in place
  • Identify the existing incentive and development tools to see that more housing options enter the marketplace
  • Develop a comprehensive matrix as it relates to the housing ecosystem
  • Identify existing obstacles and begin to explore potential strategies to remedy

In addition, Jared reminded the committee that the Downtown Council is dedicated to maintaining data to track housing realities, needs, opportunities, and construction of new units in the greater downtown area.

KC Economic Development Strategic Plan

City Councilwoman Andrea Bough, 6th District At Large, is leading the effort to create a Kansas City vision for its economic development work. Bough currently serves as Board Chair of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Kansas City.

The EDC is charged with administration and implementation of the City’s economic development strategy, including a focus on business and real estate development, job creation, and community investment. The EDC’s mission is to shape a vibrant, thriving future for Kansas City and its residents.

Councilwoman Bough described the planning process in terms of creating pillars of economic development and examining what is important in each district. The Council would like to hear from the public on which areas need to be targeted, then develop a program and policy for each area. Action items will be implemented and work will be focused on creating a codified policy.

The presentation sparked several suggestions from committee members, including a  review of the Civic Council’s KC Rising recommendations; consideration of success measurements; creation of an evaluation tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the new strategic plan; and the inclusion of environmental considerations, such as clean air, water, etc., and how they will relate to the economic development policy.

Councilwoman Bough said the planning process is slated for completion by year-end. 

KC 2026 FIFA World Cup Update

Councilwoman Melissa Robinson, 3rd District, presented an update on preparations for the KC 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11-July 19, 2026. Councilwoman Robinson serves on the KC 2026 Leadership team.

The 2026 edition of the global showpiece will see 104 games featuring 48 teams played across 16 host cities in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The 26-day run in Kansas City will feature six matches between June 16 and July 11, and is expected to attract 650,000 visitors and generate $652.6 million in direct economic impact. 

The official KC 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Fest will be staged at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Check out www.kansascityfwc26.com to learn more. Councilwoman Robinson said Pam Kramer will serve as CEO of the KC 2026. 

Robinson emphasized the opportunity for local businesses to participate in the event. Business leaders can learn more about opportunities to introduce their products and services by completing the World Cup Business Interest Form via this link.

Catalytic Projects and Neighborhood updates

Ann Holliday led an inspiring briefing on several Catalytic Projects from the Imagine Downtown KC Strategic Plan. Most notably, she reported: 

  • Buck O’Neil Bridge project will be completed by year-end
  • Barney Allis Plaza redevelopment is due to be completed by summer 2026
  • KC Streetcar – Tom Gerend reported the KC Streetcar crossed over Pershing Road for the first time since 1957 during testing in late August. Beginning Sept. 30, the KC Streetcar system will shut down for three weeks in order to connect the northern to the southern track on Main Street. Bus service will fill the void during that stretch. The KC Streetcar Authority intends to complete most of the construction by year-end.
  • South Loop Project – Fundraising continues; construction is due to begin in first quarter 2025

Next meeting: Nov/Dec 2024

The next Steering Committee meeting is slated for later this year. Contact Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org if you are interested in learning more about the Imagine committee, the strategic plan, or the Downtown Council.

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