"From major developments shaping Lee’s Summit’s future to continued investments in roads, infrastructure, and essential City services, progress is evident throughout our community."

- City Manager Mark Dunning

GOVERNANCE

Bill Baird
Mayor

Mia Prier
District 1

Hillary Shields
District 1

John Lovell
District 2

Trish Carlyle
District 2

Cynda Rader
District 3

Beto Lopez
Mayor Pro Tem/District 3

Donnie Funk
District 4

Faith Hodges
District 4

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Emergency Operations Facility

The City of Lee’s Summit broke ground on the Emergency Operations Facility in November 2024, marking the start of a $30.5 million investment in emergency preparedness and coordinated response. Designed by Hoefer Welker and constructed under the management of Titan Built, the 43,600 square-foot facility will serve as a centralized command center supporting emergency management, disaster response, and daily operational coordination. The facility will house Fire Department Administration and Training, the City Emergency Operations Center, the Traffic Operations Center, and a co-located Fire and Police Communications Center, with a weather-hardened lower level to ensure continuity of operations during severe events. Approved by voters as part of the 2023 No Tax Increase Bond initiative, allocating $74 million for public safety and emergency preparedness, the project also received $1.5 million in state funding and is scheduled for completion in spring 2026

Pryor Road Improvements Project

The City continued advancing the Pryor Road Improvements Project, a comprehensive investment focused on improving safety, mobility, and long-term functionality along a key corridor in southwest Lee’s Summit. Planned improvements include widening the roadway to two lanes in each direction with curb and gutter and enclosed storm drainage, adding turn lanes and signal upgrades, a divided median, enhanced roadway lighting, and new pedestrian and bicycle amenities such as continuous sidewalks and a multiuse path, along with utility relocations and access management modifications.

These improvements are expected to benefit residents, businesses, and adjacent neighborhoods while supporting economic activity, future development, and the City’s Livable Streets Policy. The project is funded through the City’s voter-approved half-cent sales tax, renewed for an additional 15 years in April 2017, which committed revenues to seven major road projects, six transportation-related projects, and select stormwater infrastructure improvements, including the Pryor Road Improvements project.

Missouri Route 291 North and U.S. Route 50 Interchange

The City of Lee’s Summit, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation and other entities, advanced plans for major improvements at the Route 291 North and U.S. Route 50 interchange to address long-standing congestion, safety concerns, and aging infrastructure. The project includes construction of a new interchange, replacement of the existing bridge, relocation of the north outer road, improvements to adjacent roadways, and work along U.S. 50 Highway, while also adding multimodal access and supporting future redevelopment opportunities.

Funding for the project includes MoDOT resources through the statewide cost share program, City-initiated tax increment financing, and additional state and local funding partnerships, including cost share, excise tax, and sales tax sources. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

FY25 FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

PUBLIC WORKS

Mill and overlay - 43.4 lane miles replaced

Curb replacement - 19.0 miles of curbs replaced

INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Major Project Completion

Multiple major projects were completed in 2025: Colbern Road, the largest single roadway project Public Works has completed to date; Chipman Road, a project that was more than 20 years in the making and the last of the projects funded by the 2007 CIP Sales Tax; 3rd Street between Jefferson Street and Blue Parkway, the first of several downtown gateway corridors to be completed; Green Street, which included significant stormwater and road improvements in addition to the Market and public spaces; and Hangar 2, a 46,000-square-foot facility at the Airport offering first-class amenities for aviation customers and a partnership with Summit Tech's Aerospace Academy offering real-world aviation instruction and training opportunities.

2. Stormwater

There were renewed discussions regarding stormwater levels of service and projected funding requirements for a sustainable stormwater utility; a conversation initiated by City Council, rooted in the Citizens Strategic Plan Ignite! and a history dating over 20 years. In November 2025, the City Council approved a ballot measure for the August 4, 2026, election, which asks voters whether to impose a stormwater management sales tax of one-quarter of one percent (1/4%) for the purpose of providing funding for stormwater management and flood mitigation. If approved by voters, the sales tax would generate revenue to support a significant increase in stormwater level of service, impacting stormwater maintenance, operations, planning, flood mitigation, projects and programs, permitting, and public education.

3. Solid Waste

This initiative by City Council considers city-wide contracting of residential curbside trash services. The City issued a statutorily required 2-year notice of intent to change from subscription-based solid waste collection services in the community. The notice does not require any changes. There was robust community and industry engagement and numerous discussions with the City Council throughout the year to fully consider the issue, and a request for proposals (RFP) for haulers to bid. City Council decided to seek definitive voter input through a ballot measure scheduled for the November 3, 2026, election, in which voters will be asked whether the City of Lee's Summit should provide residential city-wide solid waste collection services. If approved, the City would contract residential curbside trash services based on the RFP. HOAs that already contract trash services could opt out, and any commercial trash service (including apartments would not be affected). The contracted residential curbside trash service would begin no sooner than July 1, 2027.

4. IAM Agreement

A new International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) agreement was approved for represented employees in Public Works. The agreement continues to provide "step plans" for IAM positions, as was the case in the prior agreement. Pay ranges for the represented positions have increased from the previous agreement, and the number of steps has been reduced to be more competitive in the market. The agreement incorporated additional levels or classifications within certain positions to allow for promotional opportunities once certain skills and certifications are attained, as well as new position classifications. The applicable positions in Public Works include mechanics and operators who take great care of the City’s fleet, streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, and other public assets.

Water Utilities

Strategic Plan Progress

During fiscal year 2025, Water Utilities continued advancing the priorities established in its Strategic Plan under the guidance of the Water Utilities Advisory Board, City Administration and City Council. Efforts remained focused on four key areas: customer service, financial stability, operations and maintenance, and system renewal. The utility continued meeting its strategic performance metrics while investing in long-term infrastructure improvements and maintaining reliable service for the community.

Customer Service and Financial Stewardship

Water Utilities continued its annual customer satisfaction survey, marking four consecutive years of measuring customer feedback. Results showed strong performance across most service categories, including increased satisfaction with the value of water and sewer services, reflecting ongoing efforts to educate customers about the utility's services. The utility also maintained a strong financial position during the fiscal year, generating approximately $53 million in operating revenue and investing $18.5 million into the water and sewer construction fund to support future system renewal projects.

Operations and Infrastructure

Operations and maintenance teams continued to meet critical service goals while supporting major infrastructure initiatives. The sewer maintenance team achieved its annual inspection and jetting targets while implementing new technology to enhance condition assessments, and the water maintenance team completed all scheduled hydrant maintenance while supporting the Lead Service Line Inventory and meter replacement program. Additionally, the facilities division completed several major projects, processed 2,957 work orders and managed an average purchase of 11.8 million gallons of water per day to ensure reliable service for the community.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Turf Resurfacing Project

In fiscal year 2025, LSPR continued its Turf Resurfacing Project, replacing playground surfaces with safe, environmentally sustainable turf. The new surfacing improves stability, reduces maintenance and water use, and increases accessibility for users with mobility issues. Projects were completed at Osage Trails, Lowenstein, Hartman, and Lea McKeighan South parks.

Park Renovations

Williams Grant Park received a major renovation featuring new playground equipment for ages 2–5 and 5–12, adaptive play features, interactive musical instruments, turf surfacing, play mounds, and a new shelter, creating a more inclusive space for families.

Electric Mowers

LSPR added two autonomous electric mowers at Legacy Park Amphitheater and Gamber Community Center. These emission-free machines reduce staff time and fuel costs while improving efficiency through remote monitoring and geofencing technology.

Live Entertainment

Parks and Recreation hosted seven musical amphitheater events in 2025.

Public Art

Two new sculptures were added to the Sculpture on the Move initiative. The Pollinator can be found at Lea McKeighan South Park, and Say My Name at the Longview Community Center.

Grant From EITAS

LSPR received a $7,776 EITAS grant to improve accessibility and inclusion. Funding provided accessible wheelchairs, walkers, and flotation devices at all three aquatic facilities, expanding access for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Additional aquatic improvements included restoring both Summit Waves water slides.