1. What is a community vision and strategic plan?
This process was an opportunity for the entire community to pause, take stock and define, as a community, what we want Overland Park to be in the future and how we get there. Specifically, it outlined a path of continued success for the next 20-25 years. It is based on input from a community that cares about the future of Overland Park as a place to thrive, succeed and prosper. To complement these aspirations, the plan is grounded in an understanding of current conditions and trends. The vision plan aligns all aspects of our community life and identify goals and specific actions for Overland Park to implement.
2. Why did Overland Park need a vision plan?
In general, planning represents good stewardship. Overland Park has a well-deserved reputation as a good place to live, do business, attract visitors and have fun. The Overland Park we enjoy today is the result of deliberate planning and commitment to following through on those plans. Progress is always happening and we must periodically pause to assess our current status and look to the future to ensure that we are pursuing a path of success for today and the future.
3. How is a community vision different from the city’s comprehensive plan?
The city’s Comprehensive Plan is a long-term policy guide focused on physical aspects of the city, including land use, growth patterns, transportation, environment, and infrastructure. The city’s Comprehensive Plan has been in existence since the 1970s, with regular reviews and updates. It serves as the foundation of the city’s zoning code, annexation policy capital improvements plan, and many other specific plans and policies. In contrast, the vision plan has a longer and broader perspective, looking into the future and considering potential scenarios. Future updates to the comprehensive plan will align with the vision plan.
The vision plan is:
- A targeted long-term plan that sets the direction for Overland Park considering all aspects of community life. All of the city’s other plans should be aligned with the vision plan. Some of the vision plan’s goals may be assigned to other organizations and groups throughout the community for accomplishment as appropriate.
- Driven by the Overland Park community’s insight and aspirations. Community engagement is an essential and relevant aspect of the vision plan process, and the final plan is a product around which the community can identify and unify.
4. Didn’t Overland Park do a vision plan with Vision Metcalf?
Yes. It’s focus was on mixed-use development along and near Metcalf and in particular at various nodes on Metcalf Avenue. It was primarily a strategy for redevelopment of Metcalf Avenue. This Vision Plan is separate and encompasses the entire city of Overland Park and identifies the aspirations for the community over the next 2-3 decades. While Vision Metcalf addressed general development approaches, this plan is considering efforts to prepare and establish Overland Park for its future, it will attempt to provide a path for what the community wants to be.
5. Why should I care?
As a citizen, business or property owner in Overland Park, you have made an important choice to be in the city. If you like the community just the way it is, you should care because change is always happening. If you want aspects of the community advanced, you should care enough to help identify what needs to be addressed.
6. Who led the vision plan?
The City appointed a diverse 26-member citizen steering committee to guide the process, which is was led by the City of Overland Park, the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Overland Park. The committee worked directly with the project team, staff and planning consultant Planning NEXT, who were selected to facilitate the strategic planning process.
7. Was there a role for the public to be involved?
Absolutely! The project team was committed to conducting an open and inclusive process. There were multiple opportunities for face-to-face dialogue and public workshops, and online interaction over the last year. The first public engagement event was held in January 2018, Community Conversations occurred in April, 2018, and the Reveal the Vision Open House took place in September, 2018.
8. How long did the process last?
From its initial start, the entire planning process spanned approximately 14 months. The public engagement process kicked off in January of 2018 and there were multiple opportunities to get involved in the planning process during 2018.
9. How can I learn more about the process?
See the about page or contact Jack Messer, (ph) 913-895-6191 or (email) jack.messer@opkansas.org