"As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism for the future of our community."

- City Manager Mark Dunning

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

As your city manager, it is a privilege to present our City’s annual report highlighting the remarkable progress and accomplishments we’ve made over the past year. Our City continues to thrive and we are making investments in projects that not only contribute to a vibrant economy but also enhance the overall well-being of our residents. This report highlights the impact our City and its dedicated employees have made on the community.

This year marked a period of significant development for Lee's Summit. The groundbreaking of the Downtown Market Plaza stands out as a major initiative. This project promises to further enhance our downtown as a vibrant destination. In addition, efforts to position Lee's Summit as a top place to visit continued in 2023. Initial steps were taken to establish a stand-alone 501(c)(6) Destination Management Organization for the development and promotion of tourism to and for the City. DMO bylaws were approved and a board of directors was formed to oversee strategic decisions and governance. We are excited to see the DMO's future contributions to promoting Lee's Summit as a premier travel destination.

Recognizing the importance of infrastructure, the City embarked on extensive construction projects on Northwest Colbern Road and Chipman Road. These improvements will support long-term community growth and ensure safer and more efficient transportation for years to come.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the residents of Lee's Summit for approving the No Tax Increase General Obligation Bonds in April. This critical funding allows us to invest in emergency preparedness, transportation upgrades and City facility improvements – all essential for enhancing our infrastructure and overall quality of life. The initiatives funded by these bonds are already underway, with projects progressing at a steady pace.

Investing in our youth is paramount to a thriving community. The City was proud to present a $685,000 Community Revitalization Grant to Pro Deo awarded by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. This grant will assist the Pro Deo Youth Center in the development of a new 4,000-square-foot teen center to expand behavioral health services, afterschool activities, summer programming and other resources.

Lee's Summit's commitment to excellence was recognized nationally in 2023. Lee’s Summit ranked No. 14 on Fortune’s 50 Best Places to Live for Families out of 1,900 cities, towns, suburbs, villages and townships across the U.S. Livability named Lee's Summit one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live, scoring high marks for its economy, transportation and health.

These achievements are a testament to the collective efforts of our residents, businesses and City employees. As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism for the future of our community. Together we will continue to build upon the solid foundation we’ve established to achieve even greater success in the future.

Yours Truly,

Mark Dunning
City Manager

GOVERNANCE

Bill Baird
Mayor

Mia Prier
District 1

Hillary Shields
District 1

John Lovell
District 2

Andrew S. Felker
District 2

Phyllis Q. Edson
District 3

Beto Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem/District 3

Fred DeMoro
District 4

Faith Hodges
District 4

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Downtown Market Plaza

The Downtown Market Plaza, a mixed-use project in downtown Lee's Summit, broke ground in October 2023. This project, centered around a new farmer's market, event space, performance area and pedestrian plaza, aims to further enhance the vibrant downtown district and serve as a long-lasting community asset. In April 2013, Lee’s Summit voters approved $600,000 as part of a general obligation bond for the creation of a downtown performance and festival space which was the impetus behind this transformational project. The Downtown Market Plaza project will expand the downtown Lee’s Summit footprint and is intended to offer year-round programming opportunities, attracting visitors from throughout the region.

Downtown Market Plaza

LS Aware

In October, the City implemented LS Aware, a mass notification system for residents. Designed to alert residents during an emergency, the system also communicates a variety of non-emergency notifications. Users can choose how to receive alerts, whether it's via text message, email or phone. With LS Aware, Lee's Summit has taken a proactive step towards fostering a more informed and prepared community.

LS Aware

$186 Million No Tax Increase Bond

In April, Lee's Summit voters approved a $186 million no tax increase bond question. This investment will address three crucial areas: emergency preparedness, enhancing transportation infrastructure and revitalizing city facilities. With this funding, Lee's Summit is prioritizing its community's safety, convenience and overall well-being for years to come.

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

Lee's Summit Is the Place To Be

Fortune released its 50 Best Places to Live for Families after evaluating nearly 1,900 cities, towns, suburbs, exurbs, villages and townships! Lee's Summit ranked No. 14 out of 50 cities chosen across the U.S.

Lee's Summit made the Livability 2023 Top 100 Places to Live! After factoring in weather, things to do and the economy, Lee's Summit was found to be a charming and family-friendly environment with a small-town feel and big-city amenities.

INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Colbern Road Safety Improvement Project

Began September 2023 | This comprehensive overhaul, estimated to be completed in May 2025, will transform Northwest Colbern Road into a four-lane artery with enhanced safety features and increased capacity. Expect dedicated turn lanes, sidewalks, a shared-use path, improved lighting and a new bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad accommodating both pedestrians and cyclists. This critical project, backed by various funding sources including a city sales tax, federal grants and state cost-sharing programs, addresses pressing traffic demands and paves the way for future development, making Colbern Road a safer and more efficient corridor for all.

2. NW Chipman Road Improvements

Began July 2023 | A major project is underway to improve Northwest Chipman Road between View High Drive and Bent Tree Drive. Completion is expected by spring 2025. The project will significantly enhance the area by widening the road to two and three lanes, adding sidewalks, bike paths and improving drainage. Streetlights, a pedestrian bridge and upgraded water and sewer infrastructure are also included. Funding is provided by the 2007 Capital Improvement Sales Tax renewal.

3. Browning Extension Project

Completed July 2023 | Public Works announced the completion of construction on the $4.4 million Browning Street Extension, a project identified in the City’s Thoroughfare Master Plan and recommended by the License Tax Committee. The project extends Browning Street to Hamblen Road as a two-lane roadway with sidewalks, an enclosed storm drainage system, a water line and sanitary sewer extensions. It completes a roadway network gap and improves access to the area between Hamblen Road and the Union Pacific Railroad, south of 50 Highway and north of Bailey Road. The new roadway will provide access management along Hamblen Road at Oldham Parkway in support of future improvements at the M-291 North and 50 Highway Interchange. The Browning Street Extension project was funded by the License (Excise) Tax and the Sewer and Water Construction Funds.

DEVELOPING THE FUTURE

Development Services is paving the way for a brighter future evidenced by the surge in groundbreaking and project completions this year. These developments promise not only progress but also an enhanced quality of life for Lee's Summit residents.

Streets of West Pryor

Ongoing Development and Growth

Streets of West Pryor continues to build vertically with the addition of townhomes, new restaurants and shops. It has been a great addition to Lee's Summit, adding more 'things to do' to a visitors list. Upcoming projects already in permit review status include a carwash with fuel sales known as Waterway, a commercial tenant building with a restaurant known as 30HOP and a 7,000-square-foot building with two restaurants known as Crack Shack and VIA313 PIZZA.

Discovery Park

Groundbreaking Held Summer 2023

Discovery Park is a mixed-use development west of Colbern Road and Douglas Street, built by Intrinsic Development on 268 acres, with a planned total size of 3.9 million square feet. The project will unfold in four phases, with the first phase bringing 300,000 square feet of mixed-use space and 585 new apartments. It will include offices, retail, restaurants, hotels, services and residential areas.

Scenic Development

August 2023

A new senior living community is under development off Highway 150 at Arborwalk. The three-phase project on 12 acres will offer independent and assisted living, short-term rehab and long-term care for residents. The 224,000-square-foot facility will have 126 residential units, 60 memory care units and 80 to 100 staff members. Phase one is under construction with an estimated completion date of November 2024.

WATER UTILITIES

Director of Water Utilities Mark Schaufler received the 2023 Missouri Section American Water Works Association Donald R. Boyd Water Utility Manager Award. This distinguished award recognizes exceptional managerial abilities with a community water supply. Schaufler has been with Water Utilities for nearly 30 years and continuously displays a vast amount of knowledge and leadership to employees.

Completed 2023 Strategic Plan

Completed 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey

Completed 2023 Water Quality Report

New Processing Facility

Opened in August 2023

The Lee’s Summit Transfer Facility located in south Lee’s Summit is a Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulated facility, providing a location for contractors and developers to recycle debris. The facility which offers equipment only found in two other facilities in the U.S., will break down recyclables like rebar, concrete and more.

PARKS & RECREATION

Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation demonstrated its commitment to enhancing community life in 2023 through several key initiatives. By focusing on program revitalization, participant outreach and park improvements, Parks and Recreation successfully fostered a vibrant and engaged citizenry.

Renovations