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.
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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 concepts in the Vision Plan are preliminary, and the City Council wishes to make them public to provide an opportunity for open discussion; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. Directing the City Manager to study and evaluate a plan for the implementation of some or all of the improvements and concepts proposed in the July 2026 Vision Plan for the Kansas City Convention Center and Municipal Auditorium, including Phase 0 improvements to Municipal Auditorium and the Music Hall.
Section 2. Directing the City Manager to issue a Request for Proposals to complete repairs and improvements to Municipal Auditorium and the Music Hall as contemplated in the July 2026 Vision Plan.
Section 3. Directing the City Manager to include a strategy for the future incorporation of any recommended improvements into the City’s budget procedures, including funding sources, multi-year phasing of expenses, and ongoing operating and maintenance costs.
Section 4. Directing the City Manager to report back to City Council within 60 days with an update on the planning process and providing recommendations for implementation.
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