Kansas City City Council Meeting – NFL Draft Update and Green Line Initiative – October 27, 2022
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Kansas City City Council Meeting – NFL Draft Update and Green Line Initiative – October 27, 2022
On October 27, 2022, the Kansas City City Council received presentations on two major initiatives: the 2023 NFL Draft and the Green Line trail project. The meeting began with unanimous approval of the previous meeting's minutes. No public comments were heard. The council then heard updates from NFL officials and local stakeholders on the draft's planning, followed by a presentation on the Green Line, an eight-mile pedestrian and bicycle loop connecting downtown areas. Council members expressed support while raising questions about funding, equity, connectivity, and prioritization among competing downtown projects.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved the minutes of the previous meeting by a unanimous voice vote (all in favor, none opposed).
Discussion Items
NFL Draft Update (April 27–29, 2023)
John Barker, Senior Vice President for Global Event Operations and Production for the NFL, along with Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission, provided an update on the 2023 NFL Draft. The event will be held at Union Station and the National World War I Memorial, with a secure perimeter, free admission, and an estimated $102.1 million in direct local spending. The draft will include a main stage, fan experiences (e.g., a 40-yard dash, football-themed activities), and a business connect program that has vetted 289 local suppliers (90 recommended by community partners and 197 through online applications). The NFL will use about 800 paid “teammates” (volunteers) per day. The draft will be broadcast wall-to-wall on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Construction will take about four weeks, with a one-week teardown. Council members expressed enthusiasm and asked about inclusion of minority-owned businesses, youth exposure, and the role of the Professional Football Players Mothers Association. Councilman Robinson noted the importance of involving young children of color in event planning. The NFL team committed to working with local organizations.
Green Line Initiative
Steve McDowell (BNIM Architects), James Baker (consultant), and Jared Campbell (Downtown Council) presented the Green Line, a proposed eight-mile loop trail connecting downtown neighborhoods, parks, and the riverfront via the Terminal Railway right-of-way, Paseo, and existing trails. The first phase (southern leg) is the most challenging due to railroad ownership, but the Kansas City Terminal Railroad has become a partner. A feasibility study, funded by Fourth District PIAC, estimated costs at about $7 million per mile. Community engagement included an open house (100+ attendees) and a survey (400+ responses). The project could generate an estimated $250 million in economic activity. Council members raised concerns about prioritization among downtown projects (e.g., South Loop Link, Barney Allis Plaza, downtown baseball) and connectivity to underserved areas, especially the east side and northland. Councilwoman Robinson urged the team to focus on green space in the third district, which has the least. Councilman Ellington questioned east-side connections. Councilman Fowler requested links to the northland trail system. The presenters acknowledged the need for diverse funding (grants, private, philanthropic) and committed to further community engagement.
Key Outcomes
- The council approved the minutes of the previous meeting unanimously.
- No votes were taken on the NFL Draft or Green Line presentations; they were informational updates. The council directed staff and stakeholders to continue refining plans, explore funding, and address equity and connectivity concerns.
Meeting Transcript
2022, is there a motion? So moved. Second. Then moved and seconded. All in favor of approving the minutes, say aye. Aye. Aye. All opposed. The uh motion passes. Our first item, our second item actually, is the NFL draft update. You'll note at all of our desks. We were given these exceptional pins, by the way. Thank you. But uh I can't take credit for the pens, Mr. Mayor. Um Gilmore, Deputy City Manager, Director of Convention and Entertainment Facilities. Um we have here today. Uh thank you, first of all, for letting us come before you to talk a little bit about the NFL draft. As a reminder, the event will take place over three days, April 27th, 8th, and 29th. And it's estimated that the NFL draft will generate one point, excuse me, 102.1 million dollars in direct spending within the local economy. So this is a huge deal. And this is the first time the event will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, and is one of the most anticipated events our city has hosted. Kansas City's profile is rising because of the NFL draft, and we have Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission, and her team to thank for her efforts and for bringing the city, the chiefs, and a host of other stakeholders to the table to make this happen. So right now, I'm gonna go ahead and turn it up now that she has a chair. We're gonna turn it over to Kathy Nelson and our friends from the NFL to give you an update on the progress that's being made. Thank you. Good afternoon. Good to see all of you. We're gonna have to get you a mic, Kathy. All right, I'm scooting over. How about this? Better? Yes, ma'am. You okay, Mr. Mary? Are we good? Okay. Hello, everyone. Thrilled to be here. Um we have lots to share, and then at the same time, not a lot to share just yet. So as you know, we were awarded the 2023 NFL draft back in 2018 and have been working ever since on that. Um we've been very fortunate the Kansas City Missouri Police Department has traveled with us to multiple drafts to see it in person. And now it's our time to shine. So with me today are executives from the NFL, Aubrey Walton, who's been our sidekick for many, many years working on this project, and John Barker here with me today. Um so with that. So John, you all know me, right from Sports Christian Visit KC. John is the senior vice president for global event operations and production for the National Football League, and we thought we would start by sharing you a quick video of what Nashville NFL draft to look like. So this should give you a good picture of what this could be in Kansas City. With the first pick in the 2019 NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals select Kyler Murray, quarterback, Oklahoma. With the second pick, the San Francisco 49ers select Nick Bosa.
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