The City of Overland Park is looking to the community for input as it begins its Comprehensive Plan update.
Starting today, Overland Park residents, visitors, business owners and others can apply for a position on the Comprehensive Plan update steering committee.
The committee will be a diverse group of community members that will meet regularly to provide guidance on the process and substance of the plan.
“We need all types of people and perspectives at the table for the Comprehensive Plan update process,” said Mayor Curt Skoog. “Strong representation from all corners of Overland Park will help us understand unique challenges and opportunities our community will take on in the future.”
Steering committee members will represent the community throughout the process and advise on plan recommendations, serving as community advocates and stewards of the completed and updated Comprehensive Plan.
Steering committee members do not need to have any specific background or expertise; they must simply be interested in Overland Park’s future success.
OP’s Comprehensive Plan update
Recruitment of volunteers for the steering committee is one of the first steps in a major update process of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The current comprehensive plan was created nearly 40 years ago. It is considered a “traditional” model first used by land use planners in the 1960s.
The new Comprehensive Plan will be a more modern plan. It will consider more community engagement, encompass emerging social and environmental issues and focus on strategic implementation steps to set the direction for the City’s growth and development in coming years.
Other opportunities for involvement
The steering committee is just one way Overland Park residents, visitors, business owners and others can get involved.
During the update process, advisory teams will bring unique knowledge and expertise on specific topics of interest, including land use, housing choices, mobility and sustainability.
The project team will also be interviewing major stakeholders already engaged with the community, including elected officials, representatives from neighborhood and business groups, school districts, government partners, faith and equity groups and others, to hear their perspectives on Overland Park’s future.
Residents who want to get involved but may not be able to dedicate regular time to participate can attend public meetings and complete online feedback forms to share their thoughts on the City’s future.
“We ask you to join us, along with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues, to provide your perspective,” Skoog said. “Whether your priority is improving our great neighborhoods, adding parks, supporting public safety, elevating schools or building new businesses, please take time to get involved.”
Project kickoff in motion
The project team, which includes City staff and representatives from Planning NEXT, Clarion Associates, Kimley Horn and TischlerBise will first launch the project with the City Council Committee of the Whole on Monday, Aug. 1 on the project, and begin stakeholder interviews that week.
Mayor Skoog will appoint members of the project steering committee at a City Council meeting in August.
Community engagement meetings and opportunities to provide online feedback on various topics considered in the plan are expected to begin this fall.
Use the online application to apply by Wednesday, Aug. 3 for a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee position.
Want to attend a meeting or get involved but don’t have time to dedicate to the Steering committee? Sign up for project emails to stay up to date on the project.