Downtown Council Annual Luncheon set for April 11

Mark your calendar for Friday, April 11, as the Downtown Council Annual Luncheon returns to the Kay Barnes Ballroom. The event begins with the Spirit of Downtown Exhibit at 11 a.m., followed by the luncheon program beginning at noon. This year’s theme, “Downtown KC, Connecting Communities,” will feature announcements, awards and much more. Click here for tickets.

Downtown Council Annual Luncheon to return on April 11

One of Kansas City’s signature business and civic events – the Downtown Council Annual Luncheon – returns in two weeks to shine a spotlight on the future of Downtown Kansas City.  This year’s theme is Downtown KC: Connecting Communities.

The 2025 DTC Annual Luncheon will showcase progress stemming from the rollout of the Imagine Downtown KC 2030 Strategic Plan four years ago, as well as recognize leaders who are inspiring the trajectory of Downtown today … and tomorrow.

The Downtown Council program is set for 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, April 11 in the Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center. Click here to purchase tickets to this perennial sold-out event. 

Mallory Brown, a renowned Human Connection Expert, will deliver the keynote address at the Downtown Council Annual Luncheon on April 11.

The DTC Annual Luncheon is expected to attract 1,000+ business and civic leaders to celebrate Downtown accomplishments and to explore opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. The event is chaired by 2024 – 2025 DTC Board Chair Gib Kerr, Cushman & Wakefield. 

The Awards Committee was chaired by Jennifer Wampler, Kansas City Ballet; with Jennifer Ingraham, Kansas City University serving as vice-chair.

“The Imagine Downtown KC plan is the primary vision-setting and policy blueprint for shaping a stronger, better, more resilient urban community with an unflinching commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant Downtown Kansas City,” said Bill Dietrich, Downtown Council President & CEO.

The 2025 Downtown Council Annual Luncheon will deliver a grand slam of highlights such as:

  • A keynote address by Mallory Brown, a renowned Human Connection Expert, who draws upon global experiences to highlight the significance of community-driven progress. Her inspiring message is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: each of us has the ability to profoundly impact one another’s lives – and it all starts with a single act of empathy.
  • A special announcement that shines light on the South Loop Project, which was introduced at the Annual Luncheon just two years ago
  • Remarks by Mayor Quinton Lucas, 55th mayor of Kansas City
  • Presentation of awards for Downtown KC community service and leadership
  • Celebration of the Spirit of Downtown Exhibit Fair and the largest Downtown networking event of the year

Annual awards will be presented in three categories:

  • J. Philip Kirk, Jr. lifetime achievement award – The Downtown Council’s most prestigious award – in recognition of community vision and downtown stewardship – will be presented this year to Pat Jordan, long-time community advocate, business owner, nonprofit founder, and arts champion.
  • Urban Hero Awards honor small businesses and individuals who are passionate about making the urban community a more vibrant place to live, work, play, and stay throughout greater Downtown. The 2025 Urban Heroes include:
    • Jaynell “KK” Assmann – Founder and Executive Director, Care Beyond the Boulevard
    • MADE MOBB – Community-focused small business in the Crossroads Arts District
    • Kristin Riott – Executive Director, retired, Bridging the Gap, headquartered in the West Bottoms
    • Chris Sally – Owner, Iconic Development, and community advocate
    • Octavio “Chato” Villalobos – KCPD Officer at Westside CAN Center
  • Harvey Fried Award for outstanding service by a Community Improvement District Ambassador for maintaining a clean and safe environment will be presented to Jerry Fikes, CID Maintenance Supervisor. His journey – from serving in the U.S. Army to becoming a key figure in maintaining and uplifting the heart of the city – reflects his deep commitment to both community and creativity. 

“Downtown Council award winners exemplify the spirit of collaboration and innovation that makes Downtown Kansas City a vibrant and thriving community,” Dietrich said “Their commitment to creating a better future for all is truly inspiring.”

Downtown KC: Connecting Communities

The theme of “Connecting Communities” will intersperse stories and updates of how Downtown KC is not only bringing together our downtown neighborhoods, but the entire region with catalytic projects such as:

  • The South Loop Project: creating a world-class, 5.5-acre urban park over I-670, which will serve as a vibrant community hub and catalyst for economic development
  • KC Streetcar Expansion: Connecting the core of our city from UMKC, through Midtown and Downtown to Berkley Riverfront Park
  • Innovation Districts such as Keystone and entrepreneurial programs like Launch KC
  • Greenline_KC: a 10-mile urban loop trail around Greater Downtown connecting neighborhoods, showcasing art, and encouraging discovery
  • Arts, Cultural & Historic Destinations: From the new pedestrian plaza welcoming people to 18th & Vine to the revitalization of historic buildings in the West Bottoms

The Annual Luncheon is made possible by presenting sponsor Americo; and gold sponsors Blue KC, Burns & McDonnell, JE Dunn, and Populous. Click here and scroll down to review a complete list of sponsoring organizations.

Please contact Jared Campbell at jared@downtownkc.org with any questions or visit www.downtownkc.org/annual-luncheon for more information.

—

/by