RESOLUTION NO. 260960
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Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas
RESOLUTION - Directing the City Manager to study and evaluate a plan for implementation of some or all proposed improvements presented in the Kansas City Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium July 2026 Vision Plan.
FINANCE COMMITTEE recommends “Immediate Adoption, Debate.”
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WHEREAS, a strong, modern, and competitive convention facility is vital to Kansas City’s economy, supporting visitor spending, hotel and hospitality employment, small businesses, and the tax revenues that fund essential City services; and
WHEREAS, on August 4, 2026, Kansas City voters approved Question 2, a $100 million general obligation bond for improvements to City-owned buildings, of which approximately $75 million was identified for the convention complex, including Bartle Hall, Municipal Auditorium, and the Music Hall; and
WHEREAS, Municipal Auditorium and the Music Hall, which opened in the 1930s, are historic civic landmarks of enduring importance to Kansas City, and the City and its residents share a strong interest in preserving, modernizing, and activating these buildings for future generations; and
WHEREAS, the City is excited about the renewed role of Municipal Auditorium, including its upcoming use as the home venue for the University of Missouri – Kansas City’s basketball, and the opportunity to enhance the guest experience, improve accessibility, and connect the building to new downtown amenities such as Barney Allis Plaza; and
WHEREAS, a Vision Plan for the Kansas City Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium prepared by Populous and dated July 2026 outlines a phased concept, beginning with “Phase 0” pre-enabling works at Municipal Auditorium, including arena modernization, ADA and accessibility improvements, Music Hall preservation, exterior enhancements, and building performance and event operations upgrades, followed by later phases of a broader Convention Center campus vision; and
WHEREAS, the c...
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