Council kicks off 2026 state legislative priorities; staff to redline packet and return

City staff opened the annual process to develop Lee's Summit's 2026 state legislative priorities and asked council members to review and submit edits. "It's our kickoff, of starting to talk about priorities," Brian (staff member) said, outlining a schedule that begins with staff and council redlines, an 80% draft by October and a final packet to council in December.

Council members identified transportation as a key focus, including continuing to advocate for funding for I‑470 and ongoing work on Third Street and Highway funding mechanisms. "I don't know where we are on Third Street and Highway. Are we still gonna try to get...we've got a funding mechanism that we're working on," Mayor Baird said. Council member Shields cautioned that some handout bullets were too terse to convey the city's intent, noting, "...some of the bullet points get so concise as to not be really clear what we're asking for. For example, revising current revenue models and methods for funding transportation. I don't know what the city wants there."

Staff said they would gather management team priorities, accept redlines to the Word document provided in the packet, and prepare a revised draft for the September meeting and an 80% product by October, with finalization in November or December. Staff also recommended redlines be flagged to indicate whether items were requested by departments or already addressed. Council did not adopt priorities at the meeting; the item was a kickoff and direction to staff on next steps.