“We’re centrally located, close to everything in the Kansas City metro—and close to each other,” says Mayor Michael McDonough. “This community has one of the biggest hearts around.” WHY RAYTOWN, WHY NOW Raytown’s appeal starts with location and affordability. Minutes from the Truman Sports Complex—and an easy hop to either side of the state line—the city offers access to regional amenities without the price tags of larger suburbs. It’s also rich in history. The Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails cross here; the Rice–Tremonti Home, the oldest standing frame house in Jackson County, still anchors a living story of westward expansion.That heritage now intersects with a modern greenway network: the Rock Island Trail runs straight through downtown, a spine for walkability and small-business life. The city also leans into its eclectic local scene. Downtown Raytown blends the familiar (barbershops, bakeries, a used bookstore) with personality-loaded destinations like the Irish Pub, the Naughty Pine, and Gnarly Hussle’s vintage and memorabilia trove. It feels walkable, neighborly, and a little unexpected— in the best way. That vibe comes to life at the Raytown Live summer concert series, launched seven years ago by a handful of citizens, Parks & Recreation Director Dave Turner, and the mayor. Funded by sponsors rather than tax dollars, the second-Saturday shows now draw 200– 350 people for a distinctly family-friendly evening. The city cohosts the Mayor’s Tree Lighting with its valued partner, the Raytown Main Street Association which is also getting a glow-up this year: an allafternoon Saturday street event downtown with choirs, vendors, food trucks—and a new 18-foot tree for the big moment with Santa. With Kansas City hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Raytown expects foot traffic to surge; planning started years ago to make sure those visitors find reasons to linger. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION WITH A PLAN Economic development is moving with intention. 51 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 RAYTOWN, MO
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