Menu
Open Main Menu
Close Main Menu
Public Works > Infrastructure (Capital) Projects > Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is the City’s five-year plan for major infrastructure projects - things like roads, sidewalks, sewers, water lines, parks, stormwater systems, and public facilities. This plan and process is managed by the City of Lee’s Summit Public Works department; however, the included projects are from all City departments such as Parks and Recreation, Water Utilities, Fire, and Police.

It answers questions like:

  • Why is the project needed and what are its benefits?
  • What is the project scope?
  • Where will it happen?
  • When will it be built?
  • How much will it cost and how will it be paid for?

Each year, the City updates this plan, appropriates funding and carries out the work.

CAPITAL PROJECT DASHBOARD      2026-2030 CIP Presentation      2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan

What isn’t in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)?

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) generally does not include routine maintenance and operations or small projects (e.g. less than $75,000). The CIP does not include development (the City does not build private developments), private utility work (such as Spire, Evergy and ATT) which are permitted activities in the right-of-way, or projects funded (and performed) by others (such as MoDOT, Kansas City, Jackson County, private streets, etc.). There are a lot of private utility projects, private development projects and projects by others with roads, highways, water lines, and other infrastructure in the City that are not owned, maintained or operated by the City.

General Timeline of the Annual CIP Review

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is in continuous review year-round. After adoption, work begins for the next year. CIP and public feedback are always welcome. That review includes active projects, projects in long-range plans, emerging projects, mandatory projects, and others.

November/December

The CIP preparations, consisting of the frontend document, project detail sheets, budgets, etc., really take focus with a coordinated, multi-department effort led by Public Works towards the end of the year.

New Year

The City Council Public Works Committee typically holds meetings to:

  • Share the draft plan with the community
  • Explain proposed projects and priorities
  • Give citizens a chance to ask questions and provide input
April/May

A public hearing is held at a Planning Commission meeting and is a required step to incorporate the CIP into the City’s Comprehensive Plan before the City Council can adopt the plan. The public has an opportunity to comment during the public hearing.

New Fiscal Year

The City Council will consider the CIP as part of the annual budget. The public may attend City Council meetings to address the City Council during public comments. The CIP and annual City budget adoption usually occurs in May/June, prior to the Fiscal Year beginning July 1.

After the draft CIP is published and released, a public comment period is opened:

  • Stays open until the Planning Commission public hearing
  • Public Comments are encouraged during the Planning Commission public hearing too
  • Public comments can still be shared after the Planning Commission adopts the CIP and may be considered by the City Council until the City Council takes action on the CIP and annual budget but such comments would not be included in the CIP presentation to Ciy Council. Those comments are more likely considered with other public comments on the adopted CIP for the next year.
  • The first of the newly adopted CIPs becomes part of the City budget
  • Current projects continue
  • New projects can move into design and construction
  • Projects can be followed on the CIP dashboard
  • Considered for the time period applicable to the CIP in review
  • Reviewed by City staff (Public Works and other departments as applicable)
  • Used to adjust project priorities, schedules, scope, budgets, clarify project details, identify missing needs, issues, or concerns, consider new projects, and create community awareness of project wants.
  • Shared with decision makers before final adoption

Take Note

  • CIP public comment is meant to solicit feedback on large capital projects, capital programs, and long-term planning priorities. Projects typically take years to implement after a funding solution is identified. 
  • Public comments infom decisions, but they do not guarantee changes to the CIP
  • The CIP must still follow budget and funding considerations, any engineering and safety needs, election commitments, regulatory requirements, and numerous priority factors conveyed by the elected body.
  • CIP public comments is not for private utility work, development, taxes, property maintenance issues, MoDOT work, County work, social programs, policing, enforcement activities, laws/codes, etc.

CIP Infographic Correct Channels