County Manager's Office

County receives high marks in 2026 Community Survey

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:12:47 +0000

County receives high marks in 2026 Community Survey tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 15:12

By Anne Christiansen-Bullers

A recent survey indicates that residents of Johnson County are very satisfied with the county as a place to live, work and raise children.

ETC Institute, a market survey research company, presented the results of the 2026 Community Survey to the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on April 9. Results indicated satisfaction with key county services and an overall feeling of safety within the county.

Information on satisfaction levels

Satisfaction with Johnson County as place to live, work and raise children is among the highest in the nation:

Nearly all (94%) of residents surveyed said they viewed the county as a good or excellent place to live. The same amount (94%) considered the county as a good or excellent place to raise children.

90% of residents reported an overall feeling of safety in Johnson County.
90% said they have an overall positive image of Johnson County.
87% reported satisfaction with Johnson County as a place to work.

As part of its yearly survey, ETC conducts a random sample of 10,000 residents across the United States. Those results comprise a national benchmark in each category from which others can compare their results. Johnson County residents report notably higher satisfaction when compared to those national benchmarks, in some cases reaching as much as a 45% difference compared to benchmarks.

The survey found 66% of residents were satisfied with Johnson County as a place to retire. It was 19% higher than the national average and 2% above the 2025 Community Survey results.

According to the survey, public safety is joined by K-12 education and well-maintained roads on the “top 3” list of important quality of life issues in Johnson County.

“A fundamental feeling of safety tops the list of why people choose to live in Johnson County, while our nationally recognized park system, first-rate libraries and strong infrastructure keep people here,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly. “Our annual survey results once again affirm that residents recognize and appreciate the excellent quality of life that our county services create.”

Top priorities for county residents

When asked what they think is most important for the county to provide, respondents picked these top five priority services:

Department of Emergency Services (Med-Act, Emergency Preparedness)
Election Office
Parks
Libraries
Public Health

Residents feel the most critical roles for Johnson County Government in the next 10-20 years are making sure necessary health and human services are available, coordinating public safety and law enforcement and maintaining high quality emergency services. They also prioritize well-maintained roads.

“We recognize that for a community like ours to remain exceptional, we need input from residents, and the annual community survey is an invaluable tool to gain resident feedback,” said County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson. “From these results, our staff will work with the Board of County Commissioners to set our priorities for the best use of taxpayer dollars.”

ETC distributed the survey to randomly selected households from each district. The survey was administered by mail, phone and online, and 1,256 respondents completed the survey, resulting in a 95% confidence level for the survey findings. More information about the results of this year’s annual survey will be published on the county’s website soon.

Anne Christiansen-Bullers is a Communication Specialist at the Johnson County Department of Communications and Engagement.

Remembering on Memorial Day

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:18:12 +0000

Remembering on Memorial Day tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 14:18

On July 4 this year, our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its declaration of independence from colonial rule. Before that historical day, we will celebrate Memorial Day on May 25. That last Monday in May is when we try to remember those who died in wartime or in miliary service.

They may seem like separate occasions, but at the heart of our July 4 celebrations are the people we honor on Memorial Day. And in some way, we should remember that fact at the national semiquincentennial.

Since 1776, an estimated 1.3 million U.S. service members have died in military service. More than 650,000 were killed in battle. Hundreds of thousands more have died from non-combat causes, including disease and accidents.

In June, I will join about 100 Kansas veterans in the Kansas Honor Flight from Wichita to Washington, D.C. It’s a 3-day trip to visit Arlington Cemetery and many memorials, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (“The Wall”).

The only time I was ever in D.C. was in 1980 when the memorial was still being designed. A visit to The Wall has long been on my bucket list.

Sergeant Ken Morris from Florida is among the more than 58,000 names on The Wall. He was my squad leader and was killed in an ambush in 1967 at age 22. His name is on Panel 18E. There are a handful of other names for me to remember and honor as well at The Wall.

At this point, I really don’t know how visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will play out personally or even emotionally 58 years after my two combat tours (1966-1968) ended in the war, mainly at Dong Ha. Time will tell.

Time, however, is at hand to observe Memorial Day. It’s a holiday born out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead on what was called Decoration Day. After World I, the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died in military service in any war.

With Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971, the name was changed to Memorial Day and celebrated on the last Monday in May. This also helped to ensure a three-day weekend for federal holidays.

For some, the focus has been on the long weekend and the start of the summer season rather than a time to remember those who served their nation, who went away, never to return, or returned to their hometowns and grieving families in coffins under our flag.

Memorials located in two county properties honor 81 service men killed or missing in action from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

The Navy Park at the New Century AirCenter near Gardner commemorates 24 Navy and Marine aviators who were either killed in action or listed as missing in action from WWII and the Korean War.

The small memorial park was originally part of the bygone Olathe Naval Air Station that trained naval pilots for both wars.

The Vietnam Memorial Plaza at Antioch Park in Merriam was the first public memorial in the Kansas City metro region in honor of KIAs and MIAs from the Vietnam War. A bronze plaque lists and honors 57 Johnson County soldiers lost in that war.

City parks in Olathe, Shawnee, Gardner and Spring Hill also feature veterans memorials. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is in Overland Park. It features eight panels that carry the names of 415 Kansans killed in that war. Ten of them were from Johnson County.

Honoring our fallen in declared wars, global conflicts and military operations – past, present and future – always is important. If a local veteran organization has a Memorial Day service at a local cemetery or memorial site, consider attending it.

Or, you could pause to observe a minute of silence in the annual National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on May 25. The National Moment of Remembrance Act was signed in 2000 to “demonstrate gratitude to those who died for our freedom.” Carmella LaSpada, who advocated for the act, noted, “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

No matter how difficult it might seem, we must not forget. For their military service and ultimate sacrifice, please join me in honoring them as we prepare to celebrate 250 years of independence.

An American idiom reminds us: Freedom is not free.

2026 Community Survey

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:23:26 +0000

2026 Community Survey tim.dodderidge… Fri, 04/17/2026 - 13:23

Most Johnson County residents are satisfied with quality of life and key county services, according to the 2026 community survey results.

The survey was administered in January and February 2026 to random households via mail. A total of 1,256 surveys were completed, resulting in a 95% confidence level in the survey findings.

The racial makeup of respondents closely aligned with the 2020 Census results: 85% identified as white, 9% Hispanic/Latino, 6% Asian or Asian Indian and 5% Black or African American. In addition, 59% of respondents were 45 years old or older, and at least 200 respondents came from each district.

Life in the County

Most residents were satisfied with life in Johnson County, giving high marks to the county as a place to live, raise children, work, play and retire. These ratings remain consistent from 2025 and stand significantly above the national average.

Respondents rated the county “excellent” or “good” as a place to…

Live (94%)
Raise children (94%)
Work (87%)
Play (82%)
Retire (66%)

Perceptions of the County

Residents also have a positive perception of Johnson County: Nine out of 10 respondents are satisfied with quality of life in the county. Additionally, 90% are satisfied with the overall image of the county, and two-thirds are satisfied with ease of travel.

Residents continue to approve of public safety in the county as well. Nine out of 10 respondents are satisfied with the quality of public safety services, with this percentage more than 30% above the national average. The feeling of safety and low crime rate was the primary reason respondents said they live in the county.

Service Quality

When it comes to county services, most residents agree: Johnson County delivers. According to the survey, 78% of respondents are satisfied with county services overall, exceeding the national average by 35%. The quality of customer service from county employees (64%) also exceeded the national average.

These five services received the highest rates of satisfaction:

Johnson County Park and Recreation District (86%)
Johnson County Library (86%)
Johnson County Emergency Medical/Ambulance Service (81%)
Johnson County Emergency Preparedness/NotifyJoCo (81%)
Johnson County Election Office (75%)

Priorities

Looking ahead, residents also noted their biggest priorities for Johnson County. Safety and education were at the top of the list, with more than half of respondents identifying these as the county’s top priorities for the next five years.

In the next 10-20 years, respondents found the availability of health and human services to be the most critical role for Johnson County Government, followed by high quality emergency services and coordination of public safety and law enforcement.

Respondents continue to emphasize emergency medical/ambulance service as the most important service to provide, followed by the Johnson County Election Office and Johnson County Emergency Preparedness/NotifyJoCo.

Survey says 94% of Johnson County residents are satisfied with the county as a place to live

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:43:26 +0000

Survey says 94% of Johnson County residents are satisfied with the county as a place to live tim.dodderidge… Fri, 04/10/2026 - 10:43 April 10, 2026

A recent survey indicates that residents of Johnson County are very satisfied with the county as a place to live, work and raise children.

Information on satisfaction levels

Satisfaction with Johnson County as place to live, work and raise children is among the highest in the nation:

Nearly all (94%) of residents surveyed said they viewed the county as a good or excellent place to live.
The same amount (94%) considered the county as a good or excellent place to raise children.
90% of residents reported an overall feeling of safety in Johnson County.
90% said they have an overall positive image of Johnson County.
87% reported satisfaction with Johnson County as a place to work.

According to the survey, public safety is joined by K-12 education and well-maintained roads on the “top 3” list of important quality of life issues in Johnson County.

Top priorities for county residents

When asked what they think is most important for the county to provide, respondents picked these top five priority services:

Department of Emergency Services (Med-Act, Emergency Preparedness)
Election Office
Parks
Libraries
Public Health

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Communications and Engagement

County Manager's Office

Category:

News Releases

Area leaders dedicate historical signage at Negro Creek

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:52:56 +0000

Area leaders dedicate historical signage at Negro Creek tim.dodderidge… Fri, 03/27/2026 - 16:52 March 27, 2026

New informational signage that shares the history of Negro Creek was unveiled today during a dedication ceremony in Kingston Lake Park in Overland Park.

Officials from the City of Leawood, the City of Overland Park and Johnson County were on hand for the dedication, as were members of the Negro Creek Committee. The committee was formed to investigate a name change for Negro Creek, a waterway which meanders through several neighborhoods and parks in in southern Overland Park and Leawood.

As a tributary of the Blue River, Negro Creek is 6-1/2 miles long, running roughly from the Kansas-Missouri state line at 150th Street to Metcalf Avenue near 159th Street.

After a historical investigation into the origin of the name, The Negro Creek Committee ultimately decided not to change it. Instead, they committed to preserving the creek's history as an educational landmark, transforming the name from a simple label into a legacy of resilience and a lesson for future generations.

The cities of Leawood and Overland Park have each installed an informational sign along the creek. Each one provides a map of the creek, a history of its name and a summary of the research and engagement conducted by the Negro Creek Committee.

“I want to thank the community members who dedicated their time to analyze a complex issue, and I champion their courage to preserve our painful past so we can continue evolving into a safe and welcoming community for all,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.

Mark McCormick, Director of Development for Miracle of Innocence and a member of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, was the day’s keynote speaker.

McCormick quoted American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin. “James Baldwin said, ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing is changed unless it is faced.’”

“I commend these local governments for taking on this inconvenient history, and I’d encourage residents to follow suit by learning more,” McCormick said.

To learn more about the Negro Creek renaming project, please visit this webpage.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

County Manager's Office

Category:

News Releases

Johnson County and its partners kick off Johnson County United

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:53:37 +0000

Johnson County and its partners kick off Johnson County United tim.dodderidge… Thu, 03/12/2026 - 11:53 March 12, 2026

Left to right: County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson and County Commissioners Julie Brewer, Janeé Hanzlick, Chairman Mike Kelly, Shirley Allenbrand, Becky Fast and Jeff Meyers

City, county and regional partners celebrated the kickoff of the Johnson County United initiative. This effort provides residents and visitors an easy way to utilize resources, explore amenities and enjoy events throughout Johnson County during FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The Johnson County United kickoff took place at the Overland Park Convention Center. Speakers included Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, KC2026 Board Vice President Neal Sharma, Johnson County Undersheriff Cindy Henson and Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog.

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a chance to showcase the Kansas City region on a global stage while making smart investments that benefit our communities for years to come. By working together across all levels of government, we’re making sure Johnson County is prepared to welcome visitors, support local businesses, and create lasting economic opportunities for families across the region,” said Rep. Sharice Davids.

Several cities and other county government partners staffed informational tables at the event to showcase their activities and resources planned during FIFA World Cup 2026™. Attendees had the opportunity to tour two of the buses that will be used in the Johnson County United Drop and Ride and Link transit services. These services will play crucial roles in helping residents and visitors get to and from the airport, navigate through Johnson County and access ConnectKC26, KC2026’s public transit system for travel to the FIFA Fan Festival™, Kansas City Stadium on match days, and destinations across the Kansas City region.

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region, and through Johnson County United we’re working with cities, regional partners, and our state and federal delegation to make sure our community is ready,” said Mike Kelly, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “From our Link circulator service connecting seven cities and 14 destinations to our Airport Drop and Ride service linking Lenexa City Center and the Overland Park Convention Center directly to KCI, all integrated with KC2026’s ConnectKC routes, we’re creating seamless transportation and shared experiences that will benefit Johnson County long after the final whistle.”

Johnson County, its cities and its partners launched the JohnsonCountyUnited.com website, a single online resource linking residents and visitors to information about transit, upcoming events, an online swag shop with Johnson County United merchandise, the history of Johnson County and a long list of opportunities to explore some of the amenities, entertainment options and culture Johnson County has to offer.

Johnson County Park and Recreation District has set its sights on making sure visitors and residents have plenty of opportunities to engage in FIFA World Cup™ fever. From June 16 to July 19, JCPRD’s Theatre in the Park will transform into a free international soccer celebration, presented in partnership with Johnson County Government.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Communications and Engagement

County Manager's Office

Transit - RideKC in Johnson County

Category:

News

Pickleball activities set in spring

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 22:08:48 +0000

Pickleball activities set in spring tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 16:08

Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus Program at the Matt Ross Community Center, Overland Park, is offering two specialty pickleball workshops this spring.

A Dinking to Win workshop is scheduled at 11 a.m. March 18. The 3rd Shot Drop workshop at 11 a.m. April 15 teaches players proper techniques to control the net. Workshop costs are $19/$21 nonresidents.

Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village hosts a variety of upcoming outdoor pickleball classes. For pickleball beginners, Pickleball 101 classes start at 7 p.m. April 6 and at 10 a.m. April 9.

Players looking to expand their skills should consider the Pickleball 102 class, starting at 5:30 p.m. April 7 or the Intermediate Drilling class, starting at 7 p.m. also on April 7.

For all classes, players will need to provide their own paddle. Instructors will have pickleballs available at the lessons.

All Meadowbrook Park classes are $57/$63 nonresident.

Each class is 1.5 hours long and goes for four weeks.

Registration for the Meadowbrook Park Outdoor Spring Pickleball League is now underway and ends on March 13. For more information on pickleball lessons, visit jcprd.com/pickleball.

Be green in spring clean

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:56:00 +0000

Be green in spring clean tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 15:56

By Brandon Hearn

Whether you are moving out of your home, moving into a new home, or just need to tidy up, spring is a great time to clean up your garage or shed.

As you are doing your spring cleaning, please remember to consider our environment when deciding what to do with that old paint, broken electronics or even that old love seat.

Here are a few options for you to be green as you spring clean:

Household chemicals and paint

Since 1993 Johnson County Government has operated a Household Hazardous Waste recycling facility, allowing Johnson County residents and qualifying small businesses the ability to recycle their used or unwanted chemicals, paints and much more.

Located at 11231 Mastin St., Overland Park, we accept everything from paint, stain and batteries to household cleaners, used gasoline and a wide range of other household chemicals. These items are given a second life that keeps them out of the environment.

The Johnson County facility is open year-round on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays by appointment only. An appointment can be made online at jocogov.org/hhw or by calling 913-715-6907.

Usable items are available to the public through the HHW’s Free Store. Latex paint can be purchased through the Paint Recycling Program. For disabled or homebound residents, we offer a mobile collection service. For additional information, call 913-715-6907.

The City of Olathe has a drop-off location that any Johnson County resident can use. You can schedule a drop-off through the city website at olatheks.gov.

Light bulb recycling options

Nowadays there are so many different types of light bulbs that it can be confusing to know what to do with them once they stop working. Some types of light bulbs can be recycled (not in a recycling bin) while others can go in your trash.

CFL bulbs (spiral, halo, etc.) and fluorescent light tubes, which contain mercury, can be recycled at both the Johnson County and Olathe Household Hazardous Waste facilities. Lowe’s, Home Depot and other participating hardware stores will accept the spiral CFL light bulbs. Other options can be found at recyclespot.org.
LED bulbs and traditional incandescent bulbs, which do not contain mercury, can either be disposed of in your regular trash or taken to MRC Recycling (mrcrecycling.net) to be recycled.

Empty and completely solidified latex paint cans can go into your regular trash as well.

Recycling electronics

Electronic waste can be recycled but not in the curbside bin. Electronic waste includes anything that has a cord or is powered by batteries. Recycling locations include the City of Olathe Household Hazardous Waste facility (for Olathe residents ONLY). Other options can be found on the Johnson County Government website (jocogov.org) by searching “electronics recycling.”

Throughout the spring and summer, local collection events typically occur, including several opportunities by the City of Overland Park.

If you have any questions about recycling, HHW or anything else environmental, please contact me at brandon.hearn@jocogov.org or 913-715-6936.

Brandon Hearn is environmental health specialist at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

Free testing checks wells for safe drinking water

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:50:32 +0000

Free testing checks wells for safe drinking water tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 15:50

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has received a federal grant to provide free drinking water well testing until June 30 to local property owners who receive their drinking water from a well.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that drinking water well owners test their water at least once a year to ensure safe drinking water and evaluate the need for water treatment if necessary.

Groundwater is the source of drinking water for 70% of Kansas residents overall. Groundwater is usually quite safe, but well water can become contaminated due to poor well location and construction, lack of maintenance and poor management, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Johnson County residents can get a drinking water well test by contacting Mary Beverly in JCDHE’s Environmental Health Division at 913-715-6901 or mary.beverly@jocogov.org.

Survey seeks input on federal funding

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:45:00 +0000

Survey seeks input on federal funding tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 15:45

By Leslie Davis

If you’ve lived in Johnson County for a while, you’ve seen the county grow, change and evolve. You’ve walked its sidewalks, supported its local businesses and built a life in its neighborhoods. Now, Johnson County wants to hear from you! — because your voice can help shape what comes next.

Each year, Johnson County receives federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Program administered by the Johnson County Department of Planning, Housing and Community Development.

These funds are designed to support housing, neighborhood improvements and services that benefit residents, including older adults. Specifically, the funds can address home repair, transportation services, community programs as well as mental health services.

But how should these dollars be spent? That’s where you come in.

The county is conducting a survey until May 31 to gather input from residents. Older adults make up a quarter of the population, so your input is critical. Whether you care about safer streets, more accessible housing, better senior services or something else entirely, your feedback will help guide how these funds are used to improve life in Johnson County.

Why participate? What matters most to you? More accessible housing? Safer sidewalks? Senior services? Let us know! Your insight can help ensure that future investments reflect the real needs of older adults — not just today, but for years to come.

It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey — and your input will directly impact how we plan for the future. You can fill out the survey online or visit with staff over coffee and donuts at an open house at 9:30 a.m. March 11 in the Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 West 87th St., Overland Park.

Take the survey today: jocogov.org/needsassessment. Need help? Call 913-715-2245 or email us at cdbg@jocogov.org. Let’s make sure Johnson County continues to be a place where everyone — at every age — can thrive.

Leslie Davis is Community Development Coordinator at the Johnson County Department of Planning, Housing and Community Development.