Imagine.

That word starts the Downtown Council’s new 2030 Strategic Plan, a vision-setting and policy blueprint for the near future of Downtown KC.

The Imagine Plan is designed to move the City of Fountains into the national spotlight as an equitable, inclusive + vibrant city center. As you can imagine, there’s a ton to cover. Here’s the need-to-know.

🔮 Vision

It all starts with a vision of what KC could be. Some of the qualities outlined in the plan’s mission statement are:

Sustainable. Both environmentally green and built to last.
Connected. Preserving neighborhood identity while creating walkable throughlines.
Authentic. Recognizing + preserving our cultural heritage and history.
Prosperous. Economically attractive, with opportunities for all citizens.
Beautiful. Visually alive through public art, green spaces, and modern architecture.

This plan brings together two years of community engagement + input, from one-on-one interviews to a 10-episode podcast hosted by Kemet Coleman.

🗒️ Strategy

“Today marks the official transition from planning to implementation.” — steering committee chair Warren Erdman

From the visioning process, DTC proposes real strategies based on cities like Berlin, Dallas + NYC. For example:

Improve accessibility + safety by investing in Smart City infrastructure.
Increase opportunity by building housing for all incomes and circumstances.
Connect our neighborhoods through seamless mobility — walking, biking, and transit.

KC is supported by its "mosaic of neighborhoods." | Photo by Imagine Downtown KC 2030 Strategic Plan

👣 Next steps

OK OK, so this all sounds amazing – but where do we go from here? The Imagine plan’s Catalytic Projects are tangible investments that move DTC’s vision + strategies forward. Here’s a few to look forward to:

East-West Connections. Look out for walkable bridges + bike paths along Independence Avenue and the 18th and 12th Street corridors, decked with lighting and public art.
Innovation Districts. Keystone, the UMKC Health Sciences District, and the Crossroads Arts District will provide three distinct vectors of innovation.
Street Re-imagination. You’ll see avenues like Grand + the Riverfront transform into spaces for microretail, parklets, and patios.
Urban Ballpark. Think: Fenway Park and Camden Yards. A baseball stadium in the heart of downtown will promote tourism, retail + active spaces.