North Kansas City seeks public input for Northtown 2040 master plan

The new comprehensive community plan will focus on economic development, housing and education.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:34pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a vibrant neighborhood street, with blurred figures walking past colorful storefronts and trees, conveying a sense of energy and anticipation for the future.The Northtown 2040 master plan aims to shape the future of North Kansas City, balancing economic growth, housing, and community needs.North Kansas City Today

North Kansas City, Missouri, is launching a new master plan called Northtown 2040 that will focus on economic development, housing, and education. The city is seeking public feedback to help shape the plan, with an event called Boneanza scheduled for this Saturday where residents can meet the planning team and share their input.

Why it matters

The Northtown 2040 master plan is an important initiative to guide the future development and growth of North Kansas City. By engaging the community and incorporating public feedback, the city aims to create a thriving, livable, and equitable neighborhood that supports local businesses and meets the needs of residents.

The details

Xue Wood, who is leading the Northtown 2040 initiative, said the plan will honor the community's past while looking to the future. The city wants to ensure it has a thriving business base and the right mix of housing types to attract new residents. Residents have expressed a desire for more retail, restaurants, green spaces, and a focus on public safety and security. Business owners like Bridget Meroney, who owns Erin Rose Boutique, hope the plan will bring more visitors to the area.

  • North Kansas City is launching the Northtown 2040 master plan in 2026.
  • The public feedback event called Boneanza is scheduled for this Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Xue Wood

The leader of the Northtown 2040 initiative in North Kansas City.

Lisa Degginger

A North Kansas City resident who hopes the future plan focuses on more stores, restaurants, green spaces, and housing (not apartments).

Mason Vaughn

A North Kansas City resident who wants to see a focus on increased police presence and community safety.

Bridget Meroney

The owner of Erin Rose Boutique in North Kansas City, who hopes the plan will bring more visitors to the area.

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What they’re saying

“Northtown is really a name that's embedded in this community. We want to honor our past while we're looking out for the future.”

— Xue Wood, Leader of the Northtown 2040 initiative

“More green space, housing — no apartments — and to see the street car come down. Not just bars, I'm over the brewery rage.”

— Lisa Degginger, North Kansas City resident

“Cop presence has gone down a lot and I want them to bring this back, and the overall safeness of the community.”

— Mason Vaughn, North Kansas City resident

“There are other small businesses, but not many retail shops around here at all. I think that a lot of people don't even know I'm here.”

— Bridget Meroney, Owner of Erin Rose Boutique

What’s next

Residents can meet the planning team and share input at the Boneanza event this Saturday, April 5, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Waggin' Trail Dog Park.

The takeaway

The Northtown 2040 master plan is an opportunity for North Kansas City to engage the community and chart a course for the future that balances economic development, housing, and quality of life. By incorporating diverse perspectives, the city can create a vibrant, livable neighborhood that meets the needs of both residents and local businesses.