A longtime City staff member will become the City of Overland Park’s new director of Planning and Development Services.
Leslie Karr, former Manager of Current Planning, begins in the director role immediately.
Karr began serving the Overland Park community in 1995. In addition to overseeing the work of the Current Planning Division, which coordinates the planning and development process, Karr has coordinated Planning Commission meetings, served as a City Council liaison regarding development issues, managed special projects, and much more.
Karr replaces Jack Messer, who previously served as the department’s director and was recently promoted to assistant city manager.
“For years, Leslie has shown dedication to helping shape Overland Park into one of the best communities in the country,” said City Manager Lori Curtis Luther. “I look forward to working with her in this new role to ensure Overland Park continues to offer a high quality of life for residents, visitors and others.”
In addition to her previous role leading the Current Planning division, Karr recently served as interim Planning and Development Services Department director.
“Guiding the development of a community like Overland Park is an honor,” said Karr. “I look forward to continuing our work on major planning efforts, building important community relationships, and continuing to ensure Overland Park’s development meets the needs of the community.”
Karr led the department on recent initiatives including a backyard chicken pilot program, updating the City’s parking standards and coordination of the OP Central land use and mobility studies focused on the College and Metcalf area.