September 10, 2026
Our speaker this week is Bill Dietrich with Downtown Council of Kansas City.
Bill Dietrich has served as President and CEO of the Downtown Council of Kansas City, Missouri (DTC) since June 2002. Bill has played a leading role in implementing Downtown's revitalization strategy. He has developed the DTC into an effective urban management group implementing a wide range of revitalization strategies. Initiatives under the DTC’s umbrella include the development and management of multiple Community Improvement Districts delivering $6 million annually of public space maintenance, landscaping, safety, development and marketing services.
The DTC is active in commercial and residential development initiatives, streetscape and infrastructure enhancements, public space management, marketing and promotional services, business recruitment, expansion and retention; it has established a Downtown Political Action
Committee, and produces current research and development information on Downtown.
The DTC has facilitated among other developments the restoration of the historic Central Library, the Kansas City Ballet’s, Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity, developed a multi-service homeless day shelter, the Downtown Community Service Center, conducts land assemblage, provided organizational leadership in the development of the Downtown streetcar, and provided development support for the Crossroads Academy Charter School and currently leading efforts to develop Roy Blunt Luminary Park.
Bill serves as the Chief Administrative Office of the Downtown Community Improvement District, the River Market Community Improvement District as well as the innovative start-up business grant competition, Launch KC and promotes cultural investment through the Art in the Loop Foundation. Completed at the end of 2021 the DTC facilitated the development of the next 10 year strategic plan for greater downtown, “Imagine Downtown KC 2030”.
He serves on numerous Boards and other community organizations and task forces.
He serves on numerous Boards and other community organizations and task forces.
Bill received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The Evergreen State College. Bill holds two Master’s Degrees, one in Business Administration in Managerial Leadership from City University, and the second, in Entrepreneurial Real Estate Development from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Bill hails from Seattle, Washington and has worked in economic and community development for more than 30 years.
