Say YES Shawnee

05/27/2026

SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 26, 2026

You can stream the full City Council meeting at the link below! If you don't have time to watch, here's my quick recap.

There really wasn’t a ton of discussion at tonight’s meeting, but I did find one item interesting. For the upcoming Justice Center Expansion Project, the staff proposed (and the council approved) a Progressive Design-Build delivery method where instead of bidding each step of the project individually, they interview contractors and select one to see the project through from start to finish. Because of the specific nature of this project and because the Justice Center will be up and running during the expansion project, this approach will help ensure the project stays within budget.

Additionally, the Council considered the following:
-Passed consent agenda (unanimous)
-Passed slate of appointments to various city boards (unanimous)
-Held public hearing for the Community Development Block Grant plan (no vote)
-Approved transfer of Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) to KC Logistics (unanimous)
-Approved transfer of IRBs for Heartland Logistics Project II (unanimous)
-Set a public hearing on June 22 to vacate public right-of-way at 73rd and Aminda (unanimous)
-Approved updates to language of Charter Ordinance 48 pertaining to the Transient Guest Tax (6-1, Knappen in dissent)
-Approved mutual aid agreement with Prairie Village, JoCo Sheriff's office, KCMO, and KCK for police officers to support on World Cup activities and for the city to be reimbursed for their time (unanimous)
-Ratified semimonthly claims (unanimous)

During Council Committee, the committee heard routine budget presentations from several departments (City Manager’s Office, IT, Finance, Parks & Rec) with no major discussion. The rest of the departments will make their budget presentations at the next two meetings. Councilmember Knappen praised city staff for having the leanest staff-to-resident ratio of surrounding cities.

Live Stream Meeting Link:
https://cityofshawnee.civicweb.net/document/320068/?splitscreen=true&media=true

Recap by: Alex Welch Blattner

SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 26, 2026 You can stream the full City Council meeting at the link below! If you don't have time to watch, here's my quick recap. There really wasn’t a ton of discussion at tonight’s meeting, but I did find one item interesting. For the upcoming Justice Center

05/12/2026

SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 11, 2026

You can stream the full City Council meeting at the link below! If you don't have time to watch, here's my quick recap.

The main topic of discussion at tonight’s meeting was the creation of a Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) District around Midland and Renner, often called the Midland Entertainment District. This area is considered “blighted” and has suffered greatly in recent years due to KDOT projects at 435 and Midland. Creating a TIF district does not establish any development agreements or create new taxes for current residents; rather, it would provide a tax discount to incentivize new projects in that district. Part of the vision for this district is to increase walkability, bikeability, and connectivity and to also create a public gathering space for events.

Several residents and business owners in the area spoke of this district. Most were in favor of the creation of the district, but a few (including former councilmember Tony Gillette) complained that a TIF district would attract apartments to the area. Several business owners in this district expressed how much they are struggling and how much a TIF district would help revive their businesses. There was much discussion of recent growth in Lenexa City Center and in Merriam Grand Station, both of which were catalyzed by TIF districts. The governing body had some clarifying questions but was otherwise supportive and the TIF district passed unanimously.

One resident spoke during Business from the Floor: Joshua Goldberg with Jewish Community Relations Board gave a presentation on Jewish-American Heritage Month. The governing body also held a 25-minute executive session for attorney-client privileged conversations with the city’s legal representation.

Additionally, the Council considered the following:
-Passed consent agenda (unanimous)
-Held public hearing and approved petition to vacate a public right of way near Ogg Road (unanimous)
-Approved special use permit for a wireless communication tower at 80th and Monticello (unanimous)
-Approved 2026-27 salt purchase (unanimous)
-Approved engineering services agreement for the 2025 Bridge Repair Program (unanimous)
-Approved Utility Task Vehicle purchase for the fire department (unanimous)
-Ratified semimonthly claims (unanimous)

During Council Committee, the committee heard routine budget presentations from external organizations that receive significant city funding: Old Shawnee Days, United Community Services, and Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. They also heard a World Cupdate from Assistant City Manager Colin Duffy. Duffy went over the transit plans for the summer, public safety plans, and the Americana and Ales festival.

Live Stream Meeting Link:
https://cityofshawnee.civicweb.net/document/319677/?splitscreen=true&media=true

Recap by: Alex Welch Blattner

SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 11, 2026 You can stream the full City Council meeting at the link below! If you don't have time to watch, here's my quick recap. The main topic of discussion at tonight’s meeting was the creation of a Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) District around Midland and

04/28/2026

I will not have a city council recap tonight so please enjoy this one provided by the city!

Shawnee City Council - April 27, 2026

04/14/2026

SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 13, 2026

You can stream the full City Council meeting at the link below! If you don't have time to watch, here's my quick recap.

Tonight’s meeting was quite brief with little discussion, but the council did move forward with contracts for several street improvement and pipe replacement projects that have been in the works and are part of the city’s strategic plan to replace aging pipes, add curbs/gutters/sidewalks to neighborhoods, etc. They also heard an update from Public Works Director Kevin Manning on outside funding opportunities from MARC that could help fund this type of project.

Five residents spoke during Business from the Floor. Four downtown business owners (Mike McVey, Mitzi Ryburn, Derick Shackelford, and Nathan Ryerson) spoke asking for the city to take parking and pedestrian safety into consideration when making plans for downtown. Specifically, they asked the city to revisit the traffic calming pilot project from 2021 which they felt was successful for their businesses but the council at that time ended prematurely. Councilmembers Burchfield and Reynolds both expressed interest in discussing options for pedestrian safety and parking downtown. Fred Schumaker complained of traffic on Hedge Lane Terrace between 67th and 71st and renters living in the townhomes nearby.

Additionally, the Council considered the following:
-Passed consent agenda (unanimous)
-Approved County Assisted Road System (CARS) program for 2027-31 (unanimous)
-Approved contract for 2026 Mill and Overlay program (unanimous)
-Approved agreement with Johnson County for reimbursement of Stormwater Pipe Renewal Projects (unanimous)
-Approved agreement with Johnson County for cost sharing of the Contain the Rain program (unanimous)
-Approved final change order for the 5900 Monticello Emergency Pipe Repair project (unanimous)
-Approved final payment application for the Garrett Park and Justice Center STAR Bay projects (unanimous)
-Approved final change order for the 80th Street Construction Project (unanimous)
-Approved revisions to Policy Statement 26 governing ADA accessibility on city website (unanimous)
-Approved contract for replacement of council chambers A/V equipment (unanimous)
-Ratified semimonthly claims (unanimous)

During Council Committee, the committee heard presentations from Deputy City Manager Lauren Grasshoff on the city’s Wayfinding Plan (signs that help navigate spaces and environments including directional, informational, regulatory, and identification signs) and Finance Director Sean Rocco with an overview of city funds and the budget deadlines for this year.

Live Stream Meeting Link:
https://cityofshawnee.civicweb.net/document/318635/?splitscreen=true&media=true

Recap by: Alex Welch Blattner

https://www.sayyesshawnee.org/recaps/apr-13-2026

SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 13, 2026 You can stream the full City Council meeting at the link below! If you don't have time to watch, here's my quick recap. Tonight’s meeting was quite brief with little discussion, but the council did move forward with contracts for several street

03/24/2026

03/23/2026

6️⃣ Days to Go!

Rain or shine, the Spring Showers Craft Festival is lookin' fine! From handmade gifts to seasonal décor, the shopping

📅 Saturday, March 28
⏰ 9:00am-4:00pm
📍Shawnee Civic Centre (13817 Johnson Drive)
💰 FREE Admission

03/22/2026

Know a Shawnee homeowner who might qualify for a Property Tax Rebate? The application is one page. You just need a:

📝 Tax document
📝 Social security statement

Eligible residents can receive up to $500 back. Applications will be accepted through May 15. Share this with someone who could benefit: cityofshawnee.org/rebates

03/22/2026

Erin Aldridge for Shawnee and I would love to see you today at our Ward 4 Town Hall at 1:00 at the Shawnee Civic Centre!

Join us for updates on the budget process, developments in Ward 4 and the City of Shawnee, KS Government!

03/19/2026

Your Ward 2 representatives want to hear from you!

Join Councilmembers Jeanie Murphy and Eric Persson for a Town Hall on Sunday, March 29 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Fire Station 71 (6501 Quivira Road).

01/13/2026

SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 12, 2026

You can stream the full City Council meeting at the link below! If you don't have time to watch, here's my quick recap.

Tonight’s council meeting was brief with only a few routine administrative items. Three members of the public spoke during Business from the Floor - the first asked what the city is doing to protect residents from ICE in light of Renee Good’s murder and their other misdoings. One complained of speeding on 67th near Pflumm. The last was an Olathe resident who looked at the city’s financials and wanted to make a few comments.

Additionally, the Council considered the following:
-Passed consent agenda (unanimous)
-Approved rezoning for Elysium Fields (6-unit, single-family subdivision near Johnson Drive and Alden) (unanimous)
-Approved contract for 2026 Fire & Police annual physicals (unanimous)
-Approved change orders for 55th and Lakecrest and Brownridge CMP replacement projects and 2024 Stormwater Pipe Repair program, both of which came in under budget (unanimous)
-Held executive session (no vote needed)
-Ratified semimonthly claims (unanimous)

The only item on the Council Committee agenda was an overview of upcoming federal transportation funding from Public Works Director Kevin Manning. Tonight's goal was just for the council committee to better understand the funding sources and begin thinking about potential projects for applications before this comes back up in February. There was vague discussion about future projects, but the committee will have a formal discussion later this winter.

Live Stream Meeting Link:
https://cityofshawnee.civicweb.net/document/315959/?splitscreen=true&media=true

Recap by: Alex Welch Blattner

SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 12, 2026 You can stream the full City Council meeting at the link below! If you don't have time to watch, here's my quick recap. Tonight’s council meeting was brief with only a few routine administrative items. Three members of the public spoke during