River Market Community Association

River Market Community Association: a neighborhood and business link in downtown Kansas City

The River Market Community Association (RMCA) is an organization that brings together residents, visitors, and businesses in the River Market neighborhood, considered the urban village of downtown Kansas City. Its work focuses on keeping the area's various stakeholders informed and involved and on representing their interests before public and private bodies.

The association describes its mission as creating a community that is cohesive in its communication, builds relationships between businesses and residents, and strengthens a sense of belonging through marketing, networking, and events.

Representation before agencies and other associations

The RMCA board stays informed about and involved with issues that impact the neighborhood through partnerships with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other neighborhood associations. This liaison role helps channel the area's concerns within the broader downtown area.

Activities and neighborhood life

The association's directory organizes the neighborhood's offerings across several areas: shopping, play, dining, professional services, and housing. Among the shops and activities listed are antiques, jewelry and apparel, grocery and food, hobby items, home goods, and souvenirs. In the area of play, offerings include adventure, arts, casino games, trivia, and sports. Dining covers bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, as well as specialty establishments. Also listed are architecture, churches, creative activities, health and beauty, legal services, and pet services.

As for housing, the neighborhood offers everything from lofts to single family homes, for rent or for sale, with an urban lifestyle and a neighborhood vibe.

Events and communication

The association shares its own events and those of its members, and maintains a community events calendar. It publishes a semimonthly newsletter and offers the option to sign up by email to receive news and updates from the River Market. It also offers business sponsorship opportunities and accepts donations.

Visits and access

The RMCA website gathers practical information for visiting the area, with directions on getting here, the KC Streetcar and public transit, driving directions, parking, and the City Market. The association refers to thecitymarket.org for everything related to the City Market and the farmers market. It also maintains a garden club and collects the neighborhood's history.