Downtown Council Launches New Resident Survey

The Downtown Council has launched its annual resident survey, a tool the organization says helps it identify and lobby for improvements desired by people who live in greater downtown.

Jared Campbell, resident engagement manager for the Council community improvement district, said the results of last year’s survey, the first that had been done since 2013, led to an increased emphasis on providing places for dog owners to take their pets.

“This was a top priority when the organization hired me in 2020,” he said. “We want residents to know their voices are being heard.

Last year, we learned there was a need for more off-leash dog parks and our park at Seventh and Walnut has been a success.”

The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. As an incentive for participating by April 8, the Downtown Council is holding a drawing for two prizes: a $100 gift card to B&B Theatres or a voucher for four tickets to a future KC Current match.

The proposed 10-mile Greenline would loop around downtown from the along the KC Terminal Railway on south, MLK Boulevard on east, riverfront to the north and West Bottoms on west. (Map from The Greenline)

Campbell said last year’s survey also indicated that residents want more programming and activity in downtown green spaces and parks.

Those goals informed the Council’s approach to supporting the proposed Greenline recreational trail; the proposed reconstruction of Barney Allis Plaza, and encouraging MoDOT to improve the River Market pedestrian experience of the new Buck O’Neil Bridge now under construction.

Another major priority from last year’s survey was the desire for more retail downtown.

“That’s still a focus and we’re always mindful of how to bring retail downtown to serve its residents,” Campbell said.

The Downtown Council’s definition of greater downtown stretches from the Missouri River south to 31st Street and from the State Line east to Woodland.

This includes many neighborhoods and districts such as the River Market, Central Business District, Crossroads, 18th & Vine, Power & Light District, Westside, West Bottoms, Crown Center, Union Hill, Columbus Park and more, according to the survey website.