Before I became a Realtor, I worked at Visit KC, which was then known as the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Kansas City. I worked with meeting planners who brought large conventions to town: touring hotels and special venue places, helping them maneuver red tape at City Hall, connecting them with caterers and transportation options, etc. Often it was local members of associations who encouraged and influenced the larger organization to meet up here in the heart of the country.

For much of that time, Kansas City’s reputation was somewhat …blah.  We were always competing with the bigger Midwest cities that had more of a snazzy, national reputation, like Indianapolis or St Louis or Chicago. Meeting planners were hesitant to pick KC as a meeting site because attendees might think “what is there to do in Kansas City except eat barbecue?” and not make the trip. Oh, but I LOVED showing off the city and changing people’s minds once they got here.

Over the years that changed, as KC expanded the Convention Center, built the Power and Light district, added the streetcar and more hotels, refurbished Union Station and the Crossroads area bloomed with local art galleries, restaurants, event venues. Slowly our reputation grew as a “great place to visit”, highlighted in national publications and via word of mouth. We opened a new airport. We had continuous national exposure via our sports teams, especially as the Chiefs were on the rise to the top. We hosted the NFL Draft last year. We were chosen to host games in the 2026 World Cup. We are building CPKC Stadium, the first women’s professional sports venue. The unique Rock Island Bridge is under construction. The streetcar is expanding.  As a Realtor, I can tell you that every one of my clients who has moved to the area from other “snazzy” cities–absolutely loves living here. We seem to have it all, without the sky high housing prices of larger cities.

So as I watched the parade yesterday, I teared up several times, so moved by the pride and joy of the thousands of people who turned out to show their appreciation for our Superbowl champions. We looked fantastic! Once again, the national spotlight was on Kansas City. The players were freely mingling with the crowds, literally dancing in the streets as they high fived fans and signed autographs. It was a friendly, family event and all were welcome. Then: confusion, silence, and that sick feeling of yet another mass shooting. In our city.

This is the part of the blog where I will hold back my rant against the lack of significant gun laws in the nation.

I’m not even sure why I’m writing this blog. I think I just felt the need to express how I’ve seen Kansas City’s image change for the better over the past several years, and how much I love living here. What happened yesterday won’t change that.