Dashboard

Quality of Life

Our quality of life represents the standard of health, comfort and happiness experienced by the people who live, work and play here. Lee’s Summit’s high quality of life is the result of the great jobs, schools, homes and community amenities such as parks, trails, and cultural facilities available here. Parks, recreation and cultural resources are critical to achieving a high quality of life and a safe, vibrant and healthy environment

Goal

Goal Description

Historic Resources

Objective

Objective Description

Celebrate and preserve our historic resources

Action Item

Action Item Description

Conduct resource surveys to identify additional historic assets in the community.

Establish local district and implement design guidelines for historic districts

25%

Create a community that celebrates, welcomes and supports cultural, parks and recreational amenities.

Objective

Objective Description

50%

Increase funding for projects and plans related to art, culture, festivals and celebrations.

Action Item

Action Item Description

100%

Continue the use of the ¼-cent (0.25%) sales tax for parks capital projects through 2033. Arts in Parks was an identified project in capital campaign.

Increase public awareness of available sources to fund arts or cultural activities in the city (e.g. Lee’s Summit’s annual Cultural Arts Grant, Missouri Arts Council grants, etc.)

Increase the percent of residents within ½ miles of a park (currently 80%). Maintain the number of park acres per capita as the community grows (12.5 per 1,000 people).

Action Item

Action Item Description

Establish a parks impact fee imposed on new development to generate funding for the acquisition of new parkland and the improvement of existing parks facilities.

Collaborate with the development community to identify mutually beneficial opportunities for public and private connections to existing and future parks, trails and other Greenway Master Plan facilities.

Support a healthy, happy community by improving healthy lifestyle choices and opportunities.

Objective

Objective Description

Improve access to physical and mental healthcare services.

Action Item

Action Item Description

Continue LS Police Department’s involvement in the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to assist in the delivering of mental health services.

Continue evaluation of establishing of a Community Paramedic Program.

Increase awareness of existing door-to-door public transit options.

Continue the LS Police Department’s collaboration with area schools for the D.A.R.E program.

Continue implementation of Complete Streets principles in all new development to allow for greater bicycle and pedestrian options.

Enhance public safety

Action Item

Action Item Description

Propose a Public Safety Sales Tax of one-half percent (1/2%) to fund operation of the Fire and Police Departments, including expansion of services, equipment, compensation and training. Proposed public safety sales tax does not sunset.

Continue implementation of public safety departmental strategic plans and Local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP).

Increase number of people involved in community

Action Item

Action Item Description

Broaden promotion of the City’s Citizen’s Leadership Academy and Citizen’s Police Academy on emerging digital platforms.

Continue promotion of city-wide community events on existing and emerging digital platforms (e.g. LSTV, social media, podcasts, etc.)

Enhance current educational opportunities and plan for future educational opportunities that supports the City’s economic development

Objective

Objective Description

Increase education level and number of residents participating in lifelong learning

Action Item

Action Item Description

Continue City collaboration with Summit Technology Academy (STA) to provide subject matter expertise to supplement program curriculum.

Broaden promotion of the City’s Citizen’s Leadership Academy and Citizen’s Police Academy on emerging digital platforms.

On Track

Minor Disruption

Completed

Resilient Economy

The concept of economic resilience relates to a community’s ability to foresee, adapt to and advantageously leverage changing conditions. Economies are resilient when they demonstrate:

The ability to recover quickly from a disruptor;
The ability to withstand a disruptor; and
The ability to avoid the disruptor altogether.

Disruptors may include:

Downturns in the national or global economy that impacts demand for local goods and services;
Downturns in economic sectors critical to maintain and sustain local economic activities; and
External impacts such as natural or man-made disasters, closures of a major employer, changing climate, and other uncontrollable factors.

With recent experience gained from the Great Recession and the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is more important than ever to focus on resilient economic strategies. Our community’s long-term economic prosperity is linked to its resilience when facing disruptions to the local and regional economy.

Goal

Goal Description

Build an adaptable framework for continued growth in a changing environment

Objective

Objective Description

Increase business retention and grow business activity

Action Item

Action Item Description

Continue the City’s partnerships and support with business-oriented organizations such as the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Corporation, Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Lee’s Summit Downtown Main Street, etc.

Continuously study emerging industries, evolving land use patterns, evolving business needs and evolving consumption patterns to guide UDO and Comprehensive Plan amendments in order to accommodate for a changing economic landscape.

Diversify Lee’s Summit economy

Action Item

Action Item Description

Continue the City’s partnerships and support with business-oriented organizations such as the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Corporation (LSEDC), Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street (DTLSMS), etc.

Maintain a diverse and valuable tax base. Maintain a positive return on investment as the community grows so the community continues to enjoy the finest quality services and infrastructure.

Action Item

Action Item Description

Continuously evaluate the City’s Incentive Policy.

Increase business retention and grow business activity

Objective

Objective Description

Action Item

Action Item Description

level 4

Maintain a diverse and valuable tax base. Maintain a positive return on investment as the community grows so the community continues to enjoy the finest quality services and infrastructure

Objective

Objective Description

On Track

Minor Disruption

Completed

Multimodal Transportation

The transportation system of the future can increase consistency in travel times and improve the experience of traveling within Lee's Summit.

The community supports a multimodal transportation system that accommodates all modes or ways people travel. Motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, scooter users or transit riders can safely and conveniently use the transportation system regardless of age or ability.

Our multimodal network is critical for supporting safe movement and connectivity between places that support a high quality of life in our community. Lee’s Summit is home to people with a wide range of ages and levels of mobility the comprehensive plan’s vision for growth is based on focused mixed-use development in a series of activity centers and connecting corridors, with the remainder of the City’s growth adding to the single-family neighborhoods that make up much of the City today. Residents need a variety of transportation options in places where non-driving options are more practical for short trips to enjoy various amenities such as parks and cultural offerings, convenient access to local and regional jobs and schools, and reliable access to health care and healthy food sources. Infrastructure and policies that support the safe use of all modes are essential for supporting the City’s future evolution and growth.

Goal

Goal Description

Create a safe, efficient, accessible multimodal transportation network for all users.

Objective

Objective Description

Enhance safety, performance, efficiency and modal network for all users.

Action Item

Action Item Description

Increase funding for sidewalk gap program

Require sidewalks on both sides of all local residential streets

Evaluate new developments, redevelopment and infill development projects for alignment with Complete Streets principles

Continued implementation of Greenway Master Plan.

Follow the Safe System holistic safety approach in the design of the multi-modal transportation network

Provide safe, convenient and accessible travel options in the parts of the City where a more balanced system is key to a high quality of life.

Objective

Objective Description

Improve access to all modes of transportation for all users

Action Item

Action Item Description

Expansion of public transit options

Continued implementation of Greenway Master Plan.

Require sidewalks on both sides of all local residential streets

Require bicycle facilities in commercial and multi-family residential developments

Reduce vehicular miles per household traveled annually

Action Item

Action Item Description

Increase live/work opportunities by encouraging mixed-use developments and Transit Oriented Developments (TODs)

Reduce parking requirements to encourage use of alternate modes of transportation

Expansion of public transit options

Require bicycle facilities in commercial and multi-family residential developments

Enhance connectivity within Lee’s Summit and to the region

Action Item

Action Item Description

Encourage connections between commercial/residential development and the Rock Island Trail and Greenway Master Plan

Expansion of public transit options

Increase walking and biking for transportation and improved health

Action Item

Action Item Description

Require bicycle facilities in commercial and multi-family residential developments

Increase funding for sidewalk gap program

Continued implementation of the Greenway Master Plan

Require sidewalks on both sides of all local residential streets

Lee’s Summit’s transportation networks, for any mode or technology, will be connected, complete, resilient and adaptable to the future.

Objective

Objective Description

Integrate new technology and emerging mobility options without reducing safety, access and performance

Action Item

Action Item Description

Amend the Code of Ordinances to allow shared mobility operations in the public right-of-way

Research and explore adoption of autonomous vehicle regulations

On Track

Minor Disruption

Completed

Strong Neighborhoods & Housing Choice

Housing access, affordability and diversity across our growing population will be crucial for our community to be resilient in the future. Strong neighborhoods and diverse housing choices attract new residents and provide affordable housing options for families, young professionals, hourly workers, empty nesters, and people with different abilities from all generations, cultures and backgrounds.

By creating and maintaining a variety of housing options, styles, and price ranges, we can cultivate dynamic and inclusive neighborhoods with opportunities for shopping and support services nearby, as well as convenient public facilities such as quality roads, pedestrian connections, parks and schools.

The community supports:

neighborhoods are friendly, welcoming and community-minded
existing housing is preserved and protected
neighborhood character is charming yet elevated
aging in place is encouraged and promoted
affordable and diversified housing is supported

Goal

Goal Description

Maintain thriving, quality neighborhoods that connect a diversity of residents throughout the community

Objective

Objective Description

Increase overall property values by neighborhood

Action Item

Action Item Description

Implement proactive Code Enforcement

Increase public outreach and education on common code violations and provide resources for aid programs.

Increase the mix of affordable housing.

Action Item

Action Item Description

Create UDO regulation allowing for smaller lot sizes and higher density options

Create UDO regulations to allow for ADU’s as an option for rental income, aging family members, affordable option for home renters

Preserve and protect existing housing stock

Action Item

Action Item Description

Continue support for the Minor Home Repair Program through CDBG funding

Continue support for the Pro-Active Code enforcement that can monitor residential neighborhoods

Establish a demo review process for historic assets

Change overall housing mix to 65% Residential Category 1, 20% Residential Category 2, 15% Residential Category 3

Action Item

Action Item Description

Evaluate Activity Centers and create UDO regulations requiring certain type of housing mixes that is allowed within the centers, and moving towards this goal

Increase business activity by designing mutually supportive neighborhoods

Action Item

Action Item Description

Create policies to encourage more mixed-use and mixed-density developments

On Track

Minor Disruption

Completed

Facilities and Infrastructure

Public facilities allow for a community to grow and prosper in a sustainable direction. To continue providing the high quality of services our citizens have come to expect, we need to improve the resilience of our current and future facilities.

The past decades brought tremendous growth to Lee’s Summit. While growth continues to create new opportunities, facility and infrastructure planning means future generations are not financially burdened and can experience the finest quality of life. Convenient, reliable, efficient, and resilient public facilities and infrastructure allow for a community’s ability to grow and prosper sustainably.

To continue providing the high quality of services, our community supports strategies to make our facilities and infrastructure more resilient, such as creating smart, innovative infrastructure that is safe, secure, sustainable, and can recover quickly from disruption and accommodate future growth.

Goal

Goal Description

Sustain and enhance City services and facilities to protect a high quality of life.

Objective

Objective Description

Reduce facility costs while enhancing performance and sustainability

Action Item

Action Item Description

Space analysis of City Hall to accommodate for future staff and public needs.

Plan and build City services and infrastructure to promote quality growth and resiliency

Objective

Objective Description

Maintain high-quality infrastructure that supports and entices quality growth and redevelopment

Action Item

Action Item Description

Continue to ensure private development extends public infrastructure according to adopted master plans

Reduce maintenance costs while enhancing infrastructure performance and sustainability

Action Item

Action Item Description

Promote infill development to both upgrade and make more efficient use of existing infrastructure networks.

Encourage denser and more compact development to reduce the per capita costs of infrastructure

Research and implement “green” infrastructure and other BMP principles and practices in the UDO and Design and Construction Manual (DCM).

Increase disaster resiliency

Objective

Objective Description

Reduce flood risk and damage to property

Action Item

Action Item Description

Continue to evaluate projects for flooding

Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program

Mitigate impacts from natural disasters

Action Item

Action Item Description

Participate in the FEMA: National Incident Management Systems, National Preparedness System

Mitigate impacts from man-made disasters

Action Item

Action Item Description

Participate in the FEMA: National Incident Management Systems, National Preparedness System

On Track

Minor Disruption

Completed

Sustainable Environment

Community sustainability aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to live and prosper. Climate trends suggest that in the next 50 years, our region will experience increased precipitation, hotter summers, and more severe weather events. Such change can damage infrastructure, disrupt services, drain resources, and impact a City’s ability to respond to emergencies.

Economic, environmental, and social issues are interrelated, and the needs of all must be balanced. The community will discuss what efforts can be taken to ensure sustainability and resiliency through the City’s ability to respond, adapt, and thrive in the face of environmental, social, and economic changes.

Lee’s Summit benefits from ample natural resources. The community supports enhancing and protecting the natural environment. Over the next 20 years, strategies to use energy, water, and natural resources more thoughtfully and efficiently are important so that future generations can enjoy clean air, water, and natural resources.

Goal

Goal Description

Appreciate, protect and enhance the natural environment to meet the community’s needs today without compromising the ability of future generations to live and prosper.

Objective

Objective Description

Minimize the impacts of climate change

Action Item

Action Item Description

Protect air quality

Action Item

Action Item Description

Protect water quality

Action Item

Action Item Description

Preserve natural resources

Action Item

Action Item Description

Reduce resource consumption & increase waste diversion

Action Item

Action Item Description

Reduce land pollution

Action Item

Action Item Description

On Track

Minor Disruption

Completed

Land Use & Community Design

New development in Lee’s Summit over the next decade - and future decades - will be focused on greenfield development and infill within areas considered already developed. While infill sites represent a relatively small percentage of the overall land in the City, they represent a range of opportunities to redevelop underutilized sites to better maximize existing infrastructure, services and amenities. Where possible, this Plan will guide redevelopment to ensure that it takes the form of walkable, mixed-use and mixed-income centers and neighborhoods that support the community’s vision and goals.

The land use goal for Lee’s Summit is to promote sustainable land use that meets the needs of the future, with an objective to plan for purposeful growth, revitalization, and redevelopment. A land-use framework to assist with defining future opportunities was developed as a guide for directing land use recommendations throughout the community. The framework seeks to maintain and preserve existing land uses, such as open space and neighborhoods, while proposing infill development or redevelopment for portions of the community with existing infrastructure and likelihood for growth

Goal

Goal Description

Promote sustainable land use to meet the needs of the future

Objective

Objective Description

Plan for purposeful growth, revitalization and redevelopment

Action Item

Action Item Description

Ongoing evaluation, implementation and amendments to the Ignite Comprehensive Plan with an emphasis on sustainability and smart growth

Develop an infill policy for redevelopment

Concentrate on Activity Centers, investigate the use of form based codes for the activity centers, focusing more on smart growth principles that would include a range of housing choices, compact walkable neighborhoods, mixed land use, preservation of open space, natural beauty and critical environmental areas

Promote sustainable land use to meet the needs of the future

Objective

Objective Description

Protect the environment and meet the needs of the future

Action Item

Action Item Description

Create a new office or area of focus for sustainability to work in cooperation with existing planning

Recruit local residents, community leaders, business owners, and environmental groups to advise local government on land use decisions and development goals

Create sustainability regulations within the UDO that would apply to the entire City for new development and redevelopment

Promote conservation easements within developments, encourage developer set-asides (or require) them with proposed development projects

On Track

Minor Disruption

Completed

Quality of Life

Resilient Economy

Multimodal Transportation

Strong Neighborhoods & Housing Choice

Facilities and Infrastructure

Sustainable Environment

Land Use & Community Design

Comprehensive Plan

Development Services

City of Lee's Summit