2025 State of Downtown
Schedule
Wed Dec 03 2025 at 04:00 pm to 06:30 pm
UTC-06:00Location
Zhou B Art Center Kansas City | Kansas City, MO
About this Event
ABOUT THE EVENT
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.
AGENDA
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
Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor - $7,500 (limit 1)
- 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.)
Platinum Sponsor - $5,000
- 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
Gold Sponsor - $3,000
- 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
Silver Sponsor - $1,500
- 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.
Where is it happening?
Zhou B Art Center Kansas City, 1801 East 18th Street, Kansas City, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 33.85 to USD 55.20



















