Kansas City Council receives special action to honor Public Works Director Michael Shaw on retirement after 28 years

The clerk received and assigned Resolution 260502 honoring Michael Shaw for 28 years of service to the city of Kansas City. The resolution was read into the record as a late special action so it could be included on today’s documents.

Councilman Curls introduced the resolution, recounting Shaw’s career: he began city service in July 1998 as a legal investigator, later led environmental management and rose to public works director. The introductory remarks listed awards and recognitions earned under Shaw’s leadership, including APWA accreditation and honors for snow-and-ice control, asset management and infrastructure projects.

Multiple council members and the mayor pro tem offered tributes and specific examples of Shaw’s hands-on leadership. Speakers described Shaw’s role in stabilizing trash collection, speeding sidewalk and street repairs, implementing Routeware technology for collection and snow operations, and prioritizing staff development and inclusion. Council members repeatedly credited Shaw with a problem-solving approach—responding to calls from elected officials and ensuring operational follow-through rather than offering excuses.

The resolution was received and read during the ceremonial portion of the meeting. The transcript records lengthy tributes from council members but does not record a formal roll-call vote on Resolution 260502 within the provided segment.