In 2016, the City of Lee's Summit committed to participate in the Mid-America Regional Council's (MARC) Community for All Ages recognition program and to create a Community for All Ages plan to address the City's changing demographics. The program is designed to raise awareness, perform analysis, and implement strategies to become an age-friendly community.
The Community for All Ages plan encourages communities to respond positively to the rapid increase in the older adult population and to adopt policies and programs that make the region a great place for residents of all ages to live and age well. The program recognizes three levels of achievement that reflect increasing degrees of commitment to becoming a Community for All Ages; bronze, silver and gold.
Bronze Level - Awareness
Lee’s Summit received bronze recognition on January 26, 2018, for the City's awareness of the issues, the commitment of the elected body, community presentations, and engagement. A Community for All Ages Plan was adopted by the Planning Commission by resolution on November 8, 2018, as a part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Lee’s Summit representatives worked with program managers from MARC’s KC Communities for All Ages to learn about the issues, using materials developed by the program and attending workshops to assess Lee’s Summit’s age-friendliness and make the community more welcoming for all age groups.
Silver Level - Assessment, Gold Level - Implementation
On January 18, 2019, Lee's Summit received both silver and gold certifications. To earn silver recognition, the City was required to complete an assessment process and appoint a citizen-based committee to assess City activities and investments. Gold, the highest level, recognized Lee's Summit's efforts to formally adopt a Community for All Ages Plan based on the assessment completed at the silver level.
Accepting the awards are (from left to right) Assistant Director of Planning and Special Projects, Heping Zhan, Planner, Victoria Nelson, Director of Planning and Special Projects, Bob McKay, Mayor Pro Tem Beto Lopez, and City Manager Steve Arbo.