Kansas City Launches Citywide Wayfinding
Kansas City has launched a Citywide Wayfinding initiative—a unified effort to make it easier for everyone to explore, navigate, and connect with all corners of our community.
Driven by collaboration across City departments, neighborhood groups, and partner organizations, this project aims to create a seamless, welcoming, and consistent experience for residents and visitors alike. As Kansas City prepares for the global stage of the 2026 World Cup, our focus remains on building a lasting system that benefits our city for years to come.
Why wayfinding?
Wayfinding goes beyond just signs and maps—it's about helping people answer fundamental questions: Where am I? Where do I want to go? What’s the best way to get there? Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a commuter, or a longtime resident, having clear, intuitive navigation tools makes our city more walkable, accessible, and enjoyable.
Our wayfinding system will be designed to:
- Support walkability and sustainability: Encouraging more walking, biking, and transit use reduces congestion and improves air quality.
- Boost tourism and local business: A friendly, easy-to-navigate city keeps visitors coming back and makes it easier to explore local businesses and cultural destinations.
- Deliver a unified experience: The initiative will bring together ongoing efforts—like those in the Streetcar corridor, West Bottoms, and Health Sciences District—under one thoughtful, citywide framework, so information is consistent no matter where you are.
- Connect existing networks: We’re not replacing local systems; we’re linking them, so neighborhoods and partner facilities can maintain their unique identities while making Kansas City feel like one unified place to explore.
What happens next?
- We’ve kicked off work with stakeholders from across the KC region and will continue refining the system with your feedback and ideas.
- We believe great wayfinding starts with community input. By sharing your perspective, you’re helping design a navigation system that meets the real needs of Kansas City’s residents and visitors. Together, we’re shaping how people experience and explore our city.
- Participate and get updates about our next steps. If you’d like to get involved or have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
We’re proud to join leading cities like London, New York, and Toronto, who have set a global standard for urban navigation by working together. The work ahead will take all of us—but together, we’re making Kansas City more connected, more walkable, and more welcoming for everyone.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
Please reach out if you have questions. Emaill us at wayfinding@kcmo.org
12 days left
Phases
Publication of the results
October 6, 2025
Overview
Based on the survey analysis of 362 total responses collected between April and July 2025, the overwhelming majority (93.6%, or 339 responses) came from Kansas City residents, while only 6.4% (23 responses) came from visitors or recent transplants. Due to the statistically insignificant sample size of visitors, the analysis treated all responses as a single unified dataset, without distinguishing between resident and visitor perspectives.
This methodological decision allowed for more robust insights into overall wayfinding needs and preferences. The results reveal a strong demand for posted maps over printed materials, a concentration of activity in core walkable districts — such as River Market, Crossroads, and the Plaza — and a notable "skip rate" where people avoid destinations due to navigational uncertainty, particularly when not driving.
The consolidated dataset confirmed that walking and the streetcar are the primary alternatives to car travel. Additionally, while most respondents use smartphone apps, physical signage is seen as a critical complement, especially for solving "first and last block" wayfinding challenges at transit stops and key decision points.
Key insights
- Nearly 40% of respondents avoid visiting destinations because they’re not confident about how to get there or navigate around without driving, even though almost everyone uses smartphone apps.
- Posted maps receive 67.6% support, while printed handheld maps receive only 31.9%, indicating that people strongly prefer fixed-location signage over materials they need to carry.
- Walking receives 253 mentions compared to 188 for the streetcar, 74 for biking, and 64 for bus service, indicating that wayfinding improvements should focus on the pedestrian experience first.
- Though 59.9% of people report using navigation apps often, there is still a strong demand for physical signage that provides quick orientation and serves as backup when phones fail.
- Only 53.4% of respondents rate their favorite places as easy to navigate, indicating that even well-loved districts have persistent wayfinding issues that physical signs could help resolve.
Please contact wayfinding@kcmo.org if you have any questions.