Mayor Sayers' 2025 State of the City address

Published on February 18, 2025

Below is the text of Mayor Julie Sayers’ prepared remarks for the State of the City address on Feb. 18, 2025.

Thank you, Trent, and welcome residents, business owners, chamber members, staff and guests. I am delighted to be here for my second State of the City address and appreciate everyone joining us today as we reflect on the past year.

A big thank you to the Chamber of Commerce team for hosting this event and for your unwavering support of our community throughout the year. Your efforts make a meaningful difference in helping Lenexa thrive and we appreciate your partnership.

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank our City Council Members for their hard work and commitment to serving our community. Council members, as I call your name, please stand. Let’s hold our applause until all names have been announced.

Courtney Eiterich. Bill Nicks. Mark Charlton. Melanie Arroyo. Chelsea Williamson. Craig Denny. Chris Herron. And our newest City Council member, John Handley, who was sworn in last month.

John has spent the past four years serving on Lenexa’s Planning Commission, including as the Commission’s liaison to the Comprehensive Plan steering committee. In his professional life he serves as a senior project manager for Diode Ventures, a Black & Veatch subsidiary, working on development of utility scale renewable energy projects and hyperscale data center campuses.

Let’s welcome John and give all Council Members a round of applause to show our appreciation for their outstanding commitment and service to Lenexa.

In December, we said goodbye to a true champion of Lenexa with the passing of Council Member Joe Karlin. Over the course of two decades of service on the Planning Commission and the City Council, Joe left an indelible mark on our community. He cared deeply about this city and its people, and he will be missed. Please join me in a moment of silence as we honor our colleague and friend, Joe Karlin.

You know, time is a curious thing. It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since the world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Lenexa had ambitious plans, but like countless organizations worldwide, those plans were disrupted.

Looking back, I’m proud of how we navigated what we all hope remains as a once-in-a-lifetime disruption. However, many of our initiatives for 2020 had to be placed on hold. When we emerged from the pandemic, we faced a new set of challenges: rising construction costs, supply chain shortages, uncertain financial markets and other unforeseen hurdles.

But true to the Lenexa spirit, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Over the past few years, we not only caught up on the projects that were delayed but also advanced plans that had been in development. And many of those projects came to fruition in 2024. It’s been an incredibly productive and busy time, and I couldn’t be prouder of the collaboration and determination that made it all possible.

The City Council's leadership and the steadfast commitment of our professional staff have been instrumental in bringing these projects to life. Together, we’ve turned hard times into opportunities, and today, we stand stronger than ever.

When you ask someone what they like about Lenexa, you’ll receive a wide variety of answers. They might mention our clean, beautiful parks, our well-maintained streets, the quick response and dedication of our public safety professionals, or the festivals and events that bring us together and create a strong sense of community.

On your table, you’ll find a copy of the Year in Review, highlighting projects and milestones that made 2024 a great year for Lenexa. I encourage you to take a look and be reminded of what makes our city the special place that it is.

With so much to celebrate in this address, I’ve put together a David Letterman style (or Spotify wrapped depending on your generation) Top Ten List of highlights from 2024 to share with you today. But before we dive into that, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that, like every year, 2024 had its challenges.

Last year, the City welcomed 52 new full-time employees and nearly 300 team members overall. Finding exceptional talent is not an easy task — it means identifying individuals with the right skills who also share our values, dedication and vision for the future. If you’re passionate about serving others and want to be part of an outstanding organization, I encourage you to explore career opportunities with the City.

As Lenexa continues to grow, we encounter a range of complex issues that spark strong emotions among our residents. From affordable housing to density and zoning, the issues brought to City Council have lasting implications for our community. 

When I reflect on 2024, a singular issue stands out — the proposed homeless services center at the La Quinta hotel at I-35 and 95th Street. It’s an issue I will never forget, as it dominated local media headlines and even garnered a series of satirical cartoons that I now wear as a badge of honor for my first year as mayor. 

Lenexa’s evaluation of the special use permit for the proposed shelter was handled as we approach everything — with thoughtfulness and purpose. We did not prejudge the outcome but instead took time to thoroughly understand and examine the application. We visited other shelters, considered the potential impact on our community, reviewed hundreds of emails and listened to hours of in-person testimony from Lenexa residents, faith groups and concerned citizens throughout Johnson County. 

Some were pleased with our final decision to deny the application, while others were disappointed. Regardless of where you stood, I can assure you that we approached this — as we do with every decision before us — with care, deliberation, and a deep sense of responsibility.

We have all learned so much from this process and remain committed to working with all the relevant stakeholders in Johnson County to find a countywide solution to the problem of homelessness that works for everyone.

Democracy thrives when citizens are engaged, and although the process can be complicated at times, the result is always to act in the best interest of Lenexa and its future. 

Now, let’s take a turn and dive into our successes from last year as I proudly present the top ten accomplishments of 2024.  

Kicking us off at number 10 is our investment in infrastructure.

Maintaining quality infrastructure is a top priority for residents, and we take a proactive approach to meeting those expectations. In 2024, we invested $7 million in our Pavement Management Program, completing work throughout Lenexa including Lackman Road, streets in eight neighborhoods and many other important projects. 

Our Street Reconstruction Program addressed failing streets in two neighborhoods: Penny Green and Falcon Ridge Estates. A $7.5 million investment rebuilt nearly five miles of roads in these residential areas.

We also rebuilt a mile and a half of the Little Mill Creek Trail, continued enhancements of our stormwater systems, and upgraded nearly 16,000 feet of sidewalks. 

These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to keeping Lenexa a well-maintained and connected community.

Next, let me share one of my personal favorite accomplishments from last year. Coming in at number nine are City-led sustainability efforts. These projects protect our environment, enhance our community's resilience, and help ensure that future generations inherit a world rich in resources and opportunities.

In December, we installed our first set of rooftop solar panels on the Service Center which houses our Municipal Services team. Over the next 25 years, this initiative is expected to save more than $350,000 dollars in energy costs. Solar panels were also added to a concession stand at the new Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center, and we’re preparing for another installation at the Justice Center.

But sustainability isn’t just about big projects — it’s also about the small, consistent efforts we make throughout the year. For example, we hosted three native plant sales at the Farmers Market, recycled nearly 24 tons of steel during Dumpster Days, and added more than 300 new trees to Lenexa’s urban forest in 2024.

Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future for everyone in our community.

Number eight on our list helps celebrate the magnificent parks that bring so much joy and connection to our community. Back in April, we celebrated a ribbon-cutting at Cedar Station Park, just north of K-10.

This project transformed nearly 2 acres on the northwest corner of Mize Lake into an enhanced space for our community. We introduced a variety of new amenities, including a picturesque lake landing, improved trail access, a shelter, picnic areas, beautiful landscaping, convenient parking and restrooms.

These improvements have made Cedar Station Park even more inviting — a true destination where families and friends can enjoy all that nature has to offer.

At number seven on our list, we’re nerding out on how new websites are helping connect our community with the information they need.

Last spring, we launched redesigned websites for the City of Lenexa and the Lenexa Public Market. These aren’t just new designs — they are more user-friendly tools designed to inform, connect and empower you as a Lenexa resident.

The City’s website offers intuitive navigation and a powerful search tool to help you quickly find what you’re looking for. Whether it’s city services, regulations, parks, City Council updates, budgets, or a calendar of events, it’s all at your fingertips.

The Lenexa Public Market website focuses on our merchants and their stories, as well as food, events, and ways to engage with the Market.

These are more than just websites — they’re your gateway to all that Lenexa has to offer.

One of the standout projects from last year, ranked at number six, is Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center.

The transformation of the former Indian Trails Aquatic Center was nothing short of remarkable. With a $15 million investment, the redesigned facility caters to all ages and skill levels. We took the community’s input and delivered a range of exciting features including a lazy river, vortex pools, a diving well with boards and climbing walls, speed slides, and a zero-depth entry pool perfect for kids. Accessibility was a top priority in the redesign and the facility is now ADA compliant to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the amenities.

Other improvements included expanded parking, modernized restrooms and concession stands, and must-have amenities like shade structures and quality lounge chairs. 

The new aquatic center welcomed more than 58,000 visitors — more than doubling attendance from the last year it was open. The facility hosted 115 birthday parties, competitive swim meets, the popular Splash With Me program for kids, and a memorable Movie in the Pool event.

We are also proud to be investing $10 million in Ad Astra Pool, addressing the structural and maintenance challenges it has faced since opening in 1988. Last summer, we asked residents for their input on the pool’s design and amenities. This feedback shaped an exciting vision for the renovated pool, which is currently under construction and will reopen in 2026. 

These two high-profile projects exemplify Lenexa’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through thoughtful investments in public spaces and doing so with feedback from residents who engaged in the design process.

While they may not grab headlines like a new pool, two essential long-term plans were adopted by the Governing Body in 2024, which come in at number five. The Lenexa Comprehensive Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan are set to make a lasting and meaningful impact on our community’s future. Extensive engagement through open houses, surveys, and focus groups provided valuable input that shaped both these efforts.

In April, the City Council adopted the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, a comprehensive roadmap that will guide our efforts for improvements and developments in parks in the coming years. 

The plan reflects your future priorities like an improved trail system, an off-leash dog park, a splash pad for kids, increased outdoor recreation opportunities, enhanced arts and culture, and continued investments in the Farmers Market and parks.

In July, the City Council adopted a new Comprehensive Plan — a strategic guide that will shape development and land-use decisions across our city for the next 20 years. It builds upon the goals of Vision 2040, translating big-picture ideas into actionable steps to enhance Lenexa’s future as we continue to grow.

The Comprehensive Plan is the result of years of collaboration and centers on goals and policies in five key areas. The Plan will help us make smart, fiscally responsible choices about infrastructure, public facilities, parks and trails.

Together, these two strategic plans will guide us to a vibrant, connected, and sustainable future for Lenexa.

The Lenexa Justice Center – coming in at number four on our list — is far more than just a building. It’s a dynamic space where public safety, professional growth and community trust intersect. Home to the Lenexa Police Department and Municipal Court, the new Justice Center, which opened last August, embodies our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of our growing city while fostering the well-being of both residents and our staff.

The Justice Center promotes community engagement. Public-facing areas are open and inviting, reflecting our dedication to accessibility and trust. The Community Room serves as a welcoming space for residents to gather, participate in civic events, and build meaningful relationships with law enforcement. 

Effective law enforcement begins with training, and this facility is designed with state-of-the-art training spaces to provide officers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. 

The Justice Center also prioritizes the well-being of our professional staff, recognizing their resilience is essential to providing exceptional service. Thoughtfully designed spaces, including light-filled breakrooms, fitness facilities, and quiet areas for reflection, support the mental and physical health of our team, empowering them to recharge and remain at their best.

Finally, since the building has opened the Police Department has hosted a monthly Work Out With Lenexa Police event in the new gym and outdoor fitness area, which is open to the public and accessible for all fitness levels. I have joined for several of the workouts and am happy to report that I can *totally hang* with our officers and really enjoy the teambuilding these events offer. If you haven’t had the chance to join one, I highly recommend you visit the website and get on the list for the next one. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Third on the list of impactful projects from last year is the transformation of our civic presence in Old Town. Throughout 2024, we made significant progress turning the Lenexa Community Center and Senior Center campus into an exciting new hub in Old Town. Now known as the Lenexa Old Town Activity Center, this modern, engaging facility brings together the best of both spaces into one dynamic location.

Major additions to the east side of the facility were completed last fall and our senior programming moved into the new space in November, just in time for our annual holiday luncheon.

Other improvements include enhanced accessibility, updated restrooms and locker rooms, and a refreshed building facade.

But wait, there’s more! This spring, we’ll debut even more enhancements, including a vibrant outdoor gathering space with new pickleball and shuffleboard courts, an open turf area and covered seating. A striking new mural will be painted this spring, and I guarantee it will become a popular spot for selfies and senior pictures. And keep an eye out for expanded hours, new programming and even more exciting additions to come.

Number two on the list is outstanding ratings and accreditations that showcase the deeply committed, exceptional work our City achieves every day.

Last year, our accredited Fire Department once again achieved the prestigious ISO Public Protection Classification rating of 1 — the highest possible honor for a fire department. Out of more than 38,000 fire agencies across the nation, only 498 hold this elite status. This achievement reflects the Fire Department’s unwavering dedication to protecting our community at the highest level.

Equally impressive, our Municipal Services Department earned reaccreditation from the American Public Works Association in November, demonstrating 100% compliance on all reviewed practices. This marks their sixth successful accreditation. Again, Lenexa stands among an elite group — one of only 217 public works agencies nationwide and one of just seven in Kansas — to achieve this distinguished recognition. 

These milestones are examples which underscore the exceptional commitment to operational excellence and service to our community.

And finally, we reach the number one item which will impact our community for decades to come. And the outcome of this one is yet to be written. 

In December, the City Council approved ballot language for an important decision coming this spring. Lenexa residents will have the opportunity to vote in a special mail ballot election to consider a renewal of the City’s the 3/8th Cent Sales Tax. To help explain what this tax means for our community, let’s take a moment to watch this video.

To renew the 3/8-Cent Sales Tax is a generational choice that, as the video showed, allows us to deliver to you the parks, trails and well-maintained roads that you consistently tell us you hold most dear about Lenexa. Each time you visit the Rec Center or Old Town Activity Center, spend a summer day at the pool, walk on our beautiful trails, or safely navigate roads throughout the city, you are receiving the benefit of the past 17 years of this investment in our community. 

We know that every penny is precious these days and we do not take lightly our ask for you to approve this renewal. With your support and investment in this work, we can continue building the community that you envisioned in Vision 2040. One with healthy people, inviting places, vibrant neighborhoods, integrated infrastructure, and a thriving economy. I humbly ask for your vote to approve the 3/8-cent Sales Tax renewal, so that 2048’s State of the City address can also be a list of the successful implementation of Top 10 projects just as we have today.  

I am grateful each and every day to serve our community as mayor and again have the deepest appreciation for our Governing Body, team of staff, Chamber partners, business community and residents that make it all possible.

Thank you to our sponsors of this event, whose support allows us to gather and share the accomplishments that year after year are such a joy to celebrate.

As we move into the year ahead, I am excited to continue our work in caring for the community that we all know is one of a kind, and special because of the visioning and engagement that informed the pages of the story we are writing today. 

Thank you all for being here and we’ll see you back in 2026!