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.