Midtown, Unfiltered

A Live Conversation on What's Happening, and What Could be Coming Next

The Messy City Podcast explores the complexity, contradictions, and humanity of urban life. Through this engaging conversation, the show examines how cities really work—not as polished master plans, but as messy, evolving places shaped by culture, design, economics, and community. The goal is to deepen our understanding of urbanism and challenge us to think more critically and compassionately about the cities we inhabit. The Upzoned podcast is a current events-focused that goes in depth on big stories in the news that touch the Strong Towns conversation.

In this KCDW special edition live podcast, Kevin Klinkenberg, along with Olsson’s Abby Newsham, will discuss the future of development in Midtown KC, focusing on the recently opened streetcar extension down Main Street and the planned Arterie KC development connecting the streetcar extension to the Kemper Art Museum, KC Art Institute, and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

We will invite Q+A from the audience towards the end of the event.

Day One - April 22

Apr 22, 2026 | 5:30 - 7:30pm

5:30pm | Registration
6:00pm | Program
Drinks and Snacks Provided

KCAI Epperson Auditorium
4415 Warwick Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64111
United States

$22 + Fees Online | $28 At Door

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ABOUT

Kevin Klinkenberg, AIA

Executive Director at Midtown KC Now, Messy City Podcast

For thirty years, Kevin has worked as an urban designer, planner and architect. He’s worked in the private, public and non-profit sectors, and now leads Midtown KC Now as Executive Director. His past experience includes ten years as a partner and co-founder of 180 Urban Design & Architecture in Kansas City, which worked on projects in 27 states for all manner of public and private clients. While living in Savannah, GA, Kevin led the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority as Executive Director for four years. From the beginning, Kevin has focused his energies on those who aim for successful walkable and sociable places. In 2014, he wrote "Why I Walk: Taking a Step in the Right Direction," and in 2021 co-authored "The House Hacking Catalog."

Abby Newsham, AICP

Senior Planner at Olsson

Abby is a seasoned urban designer and planning consultant with nearly a decade of experience shaping context-driven, sustainable, and pragmatic solutions. A proud Midwest native, she is deeply committed to enhancing the economic and social resilience of small- and mid-sized communities through thoughtful urban design and planning strategies. Driven by a belief in the transformative power of grassroots initiatives, Abby emphasizes incremental development, human-scaled design, and the thoughtful design of public spaces to foster vibrant and resilient communities. Her expertise lies in championing bottom-up strategies that empower residents and inspire meaningful change, reflecting her vision of urban design as a catalyst for stronger, more connected communities. Beyond her project work, Abby actively contributes to the field of urban planning through her advocacy and leadership. She is the founder of Small Developers of KC, an initiative focused on building capacity of local entrepreneurs seeking to improve their own neighborhoods. She is a member of the Congress for the New Urbanism and host of Strong Towns' Upzoned podcast. Abby also co-chairs the Urban Land Institute's Technical Assistance Program, and was formerly the co-chair of their Young Leader's Group.