From left: Pat Klein, Kimiko Gilmore, and Mario Vasquez | Photos via Clay County Missouri Government and City of Kansas City
Forget reality TV — the real drama is unfolding at City Hall, and it’s packed with more twists than a “Love Island” season finale. With KC’s leadership up for grabs, Mayor Q has introduced some serious contenders for City Manager, each bringing their own flair to the 29th floor.
Here’s your meet-cute
Meet the three contestants... ahem, candidates... vying for the top seat in KCMO’s Mayor-Manager setup. After sifting through 40 applicants, the final three were chosen internally:
Kimiko Gilmore, Acting City Manager + Director of Convention and Entertainment Facilities
Mario Vasquez, Assistant City Manager + Director of City Planning and Development
Pat Klein, former Assistant City Manager + Director of Aviation
It’s a date
The big moment happens on Thursday, May 1 when City Council will grill these finalists in a public interview. Although the meeting isn’t listed on the City Clerk’s website yet, it’s usually around 2 p.m., and you can join the action either in person or virtually.
Want to get the inside scoop before the big day? The Beacon’s guide has all the details you’ll need to prep and share your thoughts.
Events
Events
Monday, April 21
“Great Big Beautiful Life” Midnight Release Party | 10-11:59 p.m. | Monarch Books & Gifts, Overland Park | $29 | Bookworms, unite! Kick off your night with EmHen Kahoots and the chance to score a signed copy.
Tuesday, April 22
KC Design Week — Full Circle: Rethinking Sustainable Furniture | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Zhou B Art Center | $18+ | Explore the tangible impact of sustainability on workplaces, well-being, and the evolving expectations of today’s design industry with this panel discussion.
American Royal Youth Rodeo | 12 p.m. | American Royal Complex | $7 | Watch the next generation of champions show off their grit, skill, and determination in the arena. Or just coo at all the barnyard animals.
Alyssa Edwards: “Crowned” | 7 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $35+ | Catch the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” icon as she twirls into town with her dazzling, death-dropping moves.
Wednesday, April 23
Coffee With Champions: Small Ball Big Dreams With Joel Goldberg | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum | $5 | Join NLBM President Bob Kendrick in conversation with the Emmy Award-winning Royals broadcaster for a morning of professional development and piping hot coffee.
Piercing Party | 4-5:30 p.m. | Sierra Winter Jewelry | $30+ | Choose between sterling silver or 14K gold for your new eclectic earrings and have them installed on site by a registered nurse practitioner.
Thursday, April 24
Selection Celebration | 4 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Free, RSVP | Witness history in the making as the museum unveils the winner of its global architectural competition.
Omakase at 1900 | 6-9 p.m. | 1900 Building, Mission Woods | $335+ | Enjoy a carefully curated tasting menu featuring the finest seasonal ingredients.
Friday, April 25
Pawsperity Pup Pageant | 6:30 p.m. | Bar K | $15+ | Compete your four-legged friend in categories like Kansas City Spirit, Fantasy Tails, and Pet/Parent Lookalike — all supporting a nonprofit dog grooming school fighting generational poverty with job training.
While there might not be any official National Parks in our region, a new game bar extension from Cinder Block Brewery is set to serve backcountry vibes. The NKC spot plans a late May opening for The Commons, featuring everything from pool tables to Ms. Pac-Man — plus, a limited selection from Bay Boy Sandwiches. (Startland News)
Biz
You’ve probably heard whispers of “Project Turtle,” a mysterious new tenant moving into OP’s Aspiria Campus. Turns out, the code name stands for Milwaukee-based financial services company Finserv. While it’s not the juiciest scoop, we’re looking forward to the 2,000 jobs it promises to bring to the metro. (KCBJ)
Mansion Monday
If you dream in cream and custom millwork, we have the home for you. Take a tour of this south Overland Park 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom estate — which features 6,281-sqft of tranquil luxury with European white oak floors, a custom Lacanche range, and a volcanic resin soaking tub. (Kristin Malfer Compass Realty Group)
Transit
The 3.5-mile Main Street Extension will be “Ready to Ride” come fall, according to the latest estimates by the Kansas City Streetcar Authority. Most recently slated to open in June or July, the $351.7 million project is still wrapping up with vehicle testing and route striping. Regardless, we’re prepared. (KCBJ)
Opening
As the sun sets, the West Bottom’s Moon Market rises. This monthly farmers market, hosted by the Chicano Center for the Arts, will debut on Friday, April 25 — featuring lowriders, local artists, handmade treasures, and fresh food in the Liberty Courtyard from 6-10 p.m.
Outdoors
Speaking of celestial bodies... A 2,700-year-old astronomical phenomenon will light up our skies tonight and tomorrow. Here’s how you can view the Lyrid meteor shower, which is known for producing bright fireballs. (WISH)
Travel
Mapping out your summer travel plans? Perfect timing: Snag this travel credit card’s rare, limited-time welcome bonus to fuel your adventures — whether it’s luxuriating at a resort that could be seen in “The White Lotus,” or simply jet-setting for work.*
A pair of versatile men’s pants that offer a stylish, yet relaxed fit. Whether it’s for work, on the golf course, or a date night, these straight fit pants are crafted with premium, four-way stretch fabric for a refined look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
In the middle of reading “Creation Lake,” my Kindle library loan lapsed — giving me the perfect excuse to pick up a fresh copy from Rainy Day Books, before hopping over to Front Range Cafe for 10% off my order when I flash my receipt. Looks like my Saturday morning is all booked up...
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