Key Priorities
We’re incredibly fortunate to call Leawood home. In conversations with neighbors, a common theme always comes through: the more we travel—whether for business or leisure—the more we value the unique character that makes Leawood such a special place to live. From our beautifully maintained streets and parks to thoughtfully curated public art, Leawood offers a refined and welcoming environment. It's also consistently ranked as one of the safest suburbs in the metro area.
​
As a candidate for City Council, I’m excited to share my key priorities below. I’m committed to working hard to ensure Ward 1 continues to thrive and remain a community we’re all proud to call home.
Strong, Safe Neighborhoods
As Leawood residents, we all want to feel safe and secure in our neighborhoods. While it’s easy to take that feeling for granted, it becomes deeply personal when a loved one faces a crisis or when crime touches our own lives. That’s why it’s essential to continue investing in highly trained, compassionate emergency responders - professionals who are committed to protecting our community when it matters most. We must also champion the innovative programs that enhance public safety for everyone, including C.A.P.T.U.R.E., D.A.R.E., House Watch, and the Citizen’s Police Academy. Leawood has earned a reputation as one of the safest suburbs in the metro and maintaining that standard means staying proactive and fully supporting the resources that keep our city safe.
Quality of Life
Leawood is known for its exceptional quality of life and we must continue supporting the recreational opportunities and amenities that make our community so special. Growing up here, I had the chance to participate in city-run programs like youth soccer, experiences that shaped my connection to this city from an early age. From our scenic parks and trails to public art, a vibrant cultural scene, recreation complexes, tree-lined streets, mixed-use shopping and dining areas, and Ironhorse Golf Club, Leawood offers first-class amenities that require thoughtful planning and responsible budgeting to sustain. As home to many of the metro’s most desirable neighborhoods, Leawood benefits from active and engaged homes associations, one of which I proudly serve on. Strengthening partnerships with HOAs is key to maintaining the high standards our residents expect and deserve, while also ensuring our neighborhoods remain vibrant, welcoming, and attractive to both current and future residents.
Smart Growth & Economic Development
Leawood’s continued success depends on thoughtful, strategic economic development that enhances our quality of life while preserving the character of our community. As chair of the Leawood Economic Development Council, I’m focused on fostering responsible growth that aligns with resident priorities and creates long-term value for our city. With a highly educated workforce, top-rated schools, and excellent connectivity, Leawood is uniquely positioned to support a healthy local economy. By focusing on thoughtful, appropriately scaled development and supporting local entrepreneurs, we can create more opportunities for residents to live, work, and prosper, while preserving the distinct character that makes Leawood so special. A vibrant local economy also strengthens our tax base, enabling continued investment in public services, infrastructure, and amenities, without placing an additional burden on homeowners. I believe in cultivating strong partnerships between city leadership, the business community, and residents to ensure our growth is both strategic and sustainable. Leawood should continue to be a destination for smart investment, forward-thinking businesses, and families looking for long-term stability. With intentional planning and collaboration, we can ensure our city thrives for generations to come.
Sustainable Infrastructure & Livability
As Leawood continues to grow, we must be thoughtful stewards of our infrastructure and natural resources. That means maintaining the high standards our residents expect, while planning responsibly for future generations. It’s essential to stay ahead of aging streets, sidewalks, trails, and bikeways that connect our neighborhoods, parks, and gathering spaces. We must continue fostering a mix of high-quality housing options that support residents at every stage of life, whether they’re looking to buy their first home, downsize, or rent within the community. Thoughtfully planned neighborhoods that incorporate a variety of housing types, including well-integrated apartment communities, can enhance livability, promote accessibility, and help Leawood remain vibrant and welcoming for generations to come. And while the city has made great strides in communication, we should continue building on that progress to keep residents informed and engaged in long-term planning efforts. Equally important is our commitment to protecting green space, retaining natural landscapes, and incorporating environmentally sensitive design into how we build and improve. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and prioritizing thoughtful development, we can ensure Leawood continues to grow with purpose and remains one of the most desirable places to live in the metro area.