This year the Downtown Council is launching an exciting new event that celebrates Downtown Kansas City's transformation from a single-use office district into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood animated by residents, visitors, and employees. The event is titled the State of Downtown and will premiere on Wednesday, November 20th at the new Origin Hotel at Berkley Riverfront Park. This event represents the next evolution of our Office Summit. Nearly all of the new development in Downtown Kansas City continues a trend of intermingling uses and blurring the lines between property types; offices enriched with cafes and gyms; apartments with co-working and dog-friendly spaces; hotels mixed with retail and residential; restaurants and retail activating our ground floors. As a result, we are creating an event that represents and honors this exciting trajectory.

Have you ever stopped to think about the impact that happens when you take a pencil and fill in a small bubble with graphite on a paper ballot? That small action, combined with hundreds and thousands of other filled-in bubbles, impacts the future direction of our communities, states, and country. Voters in Missouri, and throughout the country, had the chance to make their voices heard this past August 6th when the national primary election date was on the calendar.

Within the past decade, a thriving second-hand clothing community has developed in Downtown Kansas City. Whether you are drawn to second-hand clothing for sustainability, affordability, finding one-of-a-kind pieces, or a mix of all three, we have compiled a list of second-hand clothing stores that range in price and style for Downtown residents and visitors to explore.

What does the future of economic development look like in Kansas City? The mayor and city council hope to answer that question over the next four to six months with the help of a consultant team who will create a new strategic plan for equitable economic development.