May 11, 2026

SHAWNEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

May 11, 2026

You can stream the full City Council meeting at the link below! If you don't have time to watch, here's my quick recap. 

The main topic of discussion at tonight’s meeting was the creation of a Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) District around Midland and Renner, often called the Midland Entertainment District. This area is considered “blighted” and has suffered greatly in recent years due to KDOT projects at 435 and Midland. Creating a TIF district does not establish any development agreements or create new taxes for current residents; rather, it would provide a tax discount to incentivize new projects in that district. Part of the vision for this district is to increase walkability, bikeability, and connectivity and to also create a public gathering space for events. 

Several residents and business owners in the area spoke of this district. Most were in favor of the creation of the district, but a few (including former councilmember Tony Gillette) complained that a TIF district would attract apartments to the area. Several business owners in this district expressed how much they are struggling and how much a TIF district would help revive their businesses. There was much discussion of recent growth in Lenexa City Center and in Merriam Grand Station, both of which were catalyzed by TIF districts. The governing body had some clarifying questions but was otherwise supportive and the TIF district passed unanimously.

During Business from the Floor, Joshua Goldberg with Jewish Community Relations Board gave a presentation on Jewish-American Heritage Month. The governing body also held a 25-minute executive session for attorney-client privileged conversations with the city’s legal representation.

Additionally, the Council considered the following:

• Passed consent agenda (unanimous)

• Held public hearing and approved petition to vacate a public right of way near Ogg Road (unanimous)

• Approved special use permit for a wireless communication tower at 80th and Monticello (unanimous)

• Approved 2026-27 salt purchase (unanimous)

• Approved engineering services agreement for the 2025 Bridge Repair Program (unanimous)

• Approved Utility Task Vehicle purchase for the fire department (unanimous)

• Ratified semimonthly claims (unanimous)

During Council Committee, the committee heard routine budget presentations from external organizations that receive significant city funding: Old Shawnee Days, United Community Services, and Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. They also heard a World Cupdate from Assistant City Manager Colin Duffy. Duffy went over the transit plans for the summer, public safety plans, and the Americana and Ales festival.

Live Stream Meeting Link: 

https://cityofshawnee.civicweb.net/document/319677/?splitscreen=true&media=true 

Recap by: Alex Welch Blattner