Kansas City Council Recognizes Historic West Bottoms Association for Service to the District and Heritage Days Celebration

The Kansas City City Council recognized the Historic West Bottoms Association during its April 23, 2026 meeting, adopting Resolution No. 260366 in honor of HWBA’s work and dedication to the historic West Bottoms. The special action was sponsored by Councilmember Crispin Rea and adopted by the Council.

The resolution celebrates HWBA’s role in drawing attention to the Kansas City region, attracting visitors to the West Bottoms, and supporting more than a decade of events and activities that highlight the neighborhood’s history, culture, and future.

In the resolution, the Council recognized the West Bottoms as a historic commercial-industrial district that connects communities across the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The document also notes the area’s early history of trade among Native Americans and the French in the 19th century, and its central role in the growth of the bi-state region.

The Council also recognized the Historic West Bottoms Association, originally known as the Central Industrial District Association, for more than 100 years of service to the district and Kansas City. Since Heritage Days began in 2015, HWBA has partnered with organizations, businesses, artists, civic groups, and community leaders on more than 75 events.

This year’s resolution specifically highlights the partnerships helping shape West Bottoms Heritage Days 2026, including PortKC, Kissick Construction, Bridging the Gap, Girls on the Run, the Kansas City Public Library, Taste of Asian American Pacific Islands, Halal Food Festival, Copa de Calle Street Soccer, Strawberry Swing, the Livestock Exchange Building, Ox Cafe and Bakery, the Latino Arts Foundation, the Wilbur Niewald Plein Air painting event, Incline on 9th, Fuego, the Rock Island Bridge, the Kansas City Barbeque Society, and the Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund.

The recognition comes as HWBA prepares for the 12th Annual Heritage Days in May 2026. This year’s theme, “the art of revitalization,” celebrates the creativity, culture, and energy shaping the West Bottoms as a historic commercial center, an evolving neighborhood, and a growing cultural and entertainment destination.

Through Heritage Days and its ongoing advocacy, HWBA continues to bring together longtime businesses, new neighbors, artists, preservationists, civic partners, and visitors to celebrate the West Bottoms’ past while helping shape its future.

The resolution was ordered to be spread upon the Minutes of the Council, with a copy presented to the Historic West Bottoms Association in appreciation of its dedication to the community.