The Kansas City International (KCI) Airport New Terminal project is the largest single infrastructure project in the history of Kansas City, Missouri. The original three-terminal airport had become cramped and outdated since it first debuted in 1972. The new terminal, which opened in 2023, is 2.5 million square feet, has 40 gates, and can accommodate approximately 6,200 vehicles in its connected parking garage.

Importantly, the New Terminal wasn’t just about construction—it was a community-driven effort. The Parson + Associates team helped keep Kansas Citians informed and involved throughout the process.  

Laying the Groundwork Through Government Relations

Before construction began, we helped secure approval for the project. We worked with Edgemoor and Clark Construction, to engage elected officials and coordinate the Speakers Bureau, a group of industry leaders and community representatives who traveled across the metro area to build the support needed for the airport measure to move forward.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

A project of this scale required collaboration with local labor unions, workforce development teams, and small businesses. We helped shape the Community Benefits Agreement, ensuring workforce training and job opportunities. We provided logistics and event planning support for the Strategic Partnership Program with Clark Construction, which provided small businesses with resources on HR, bonding, and capacity building.

Engaging the Public

Public engagement was central to our role. We coordinated design workshops across the region, gathering input on terminal features like airport amenities and dining, and honoring what makes it uniquely Kansas City. We also managed newsletters to keep the public informed on milestones, construction progress, and workforce impacts.

Bringing the Community Together

P+A supported major milestone events, from groundbreaking to the grand opening. Our team handled logistics, aesthetics, and facilitation, ensuring smooth execution. At the community open house, we organized a scavenger hunt, commemorative magazine, guided tours, and a first look at the New Terminal.

We coordinated the beam signing event to mark the topping out milestone, which served as a charitable effort raising over $90,000 for COVID-19 relief through the United Way Relief Fund. 

Creating a Lasting Impact

Our work extended beyond communications to building connections and ensuring Kansas City’s identity was reflected in the final design. The New Terminal is a testament to collaboration, and we are proud to have played a role in shaping the future of our city.