Initial Engagement Results

Merriam Comprehensive Plan Update

May 27, 2020

1
AGENDA

Stakeholder Input Summary

Special Event Booths

2
MERRIAM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040

Stakeholder
Interviews
INPUT REVIEW
Stakeholders Interviewed
• Carol and Eugene Frost – Residents
• Carol Whitlock – Former PC Chair
• Billy Croan – Timber Ridge
• Alex Miller – Meyer Estates
• Carol Eubanks – Sherwood Forest
• Larry Blair
• Amy Simeonov – Merriam Park Elementary School Principle
• Brian Denton – Denton Fence
• Dan Leap – Total Comfort
• Layla Peach – LifeWorks KC
• Jay Longhauser – DS Bus Lines
• Shelly Plekowski – Suburban Rod and Customs
• Shelia Mazzucco and Jim Gerber – Gemini Retail
• Stoney Bogan – Downtown Merriam Partnership
• Ryan Hembree – KC Maxx Performance
• Randy Reed – Reed Automotive
• Gerry Becker – Merriam Drainage District
• Donna Bradley – Sunflower Apartments
INPUT REVIEW
Stakeholders Main Takeaways
• Merriam MarketPlace – well liked but some question attendance levels and think support retail needed in the area to attract users
• Turkey Creek Streamway Trail – very popular, would like to see more trail connections
• Downtown Merriam – good visibility from highway, should attract entertainment / mixed uses, some worry that buildings are run-down,
too many junk car lots and some don’t want to see much change or improvement
• Housing – Merriam is affordable and should protect it’s single-family homes while also diversifying options (seniors and mutli-family)
• Great location – Merriam is convenient and offers good access to the metro, offers small town feel with big city access
• Flooding – stormwater is an issue, need master stormwater plan for the City
• Happy with City services and City leadership, but don’t want continued merging of services with nearby cities
• Merriam could use more public transportation and some areas need more sidewalk connections
• Merriam might need a more diversified tax base that is less retail heavy
• Merriam Town Center – important asset for community but needs help, could use more dense redevelopment
• Grocery Store – losing Hen House was a big loss for the community
• K-Mart Site – high priority for redevelopment, mixed views on density and use (residential, entertainment, retail, greenspace)
• Home rehabilitation – is helping blighted properties but some homeowners may need financial assistance with maintenance
• Merriam needs to grow upwards – densify to save greenspace but careful not to hurt existing single-family neighborhoods
INPUT REVIEW
Stakeholders Main Takeaways by Subject
Downtown – Positive
• New / remodeled buildings
• Merriam Market Place
• Turkey Creek Trail
• Sidewalks and streets and curbs need repairs
• Food trucks work and special events, like the car show

Downtown Negative
• Parking Issues – lack of public parking, junk cars on street, and on-street parking issues
• Merriam Marketplace – some question the attendance levels, other say additional retail needed to support it
• Redevelopment - concern with zoning/ design regulations, others want development on vacant lots only
• Mixed views on retail – some want boutique / specialty stores, other don’t think they’ll survive (demographics don’t support)
• Concern with number of car lots / body shops / massage parlors
• Pessimism –negative first impression for Merriam, feel the area will never be retail / walking district
• Need more police patrols downtown for break-ins
• Needs to be cleaned-up and cars parked on the streets too long
INPUT REVIEW
Stakeholders Main Takeaways
Downtown – Challenges
• Floodplain and contamination is a hindrance
• Need to evaluate to return on investment before spending tax money on a levy
• Railroad is an issue
• Don’t want the condo / high-rises that are in Overland Park
• City required parking lot – don’t do this
• Limited amount of retail and foot traffic now
• Hard to create –not enough
• Is Merriam Drive wide enough to accommodate sidewalk, patios, on-street parking?
• Need to accommodate this if want as town center
• Farmers Market needs retail support
• Elevated rail crossings needed at Johnson Drive
INPUT REVIEW
Stakeholders Main Takeaways
Merriam Town Center
• Strength of the community but needs help
• Merriam needs hotels, grocery store, nicer sit-down restaurants
• Home Depot and Movie Theater are an asset
• Replace Hen House with a hotel or high-rise apartment tower
• High-rise / apartments near arterials with in-building parking – go vertical
• Not having a grocery store is a big deal
• Town Center was very stable until Hen House left

K-Mart Site
• High priority for redevelopment in the City, often listed as a major challenge or opportunity for Merriam
• Agreement over need to redevelop site, mixed views on density and use
• Some see residential as a good option but don’t want too high of density
• Others think entertainment or retail development, such as an outdoor type mall (Lowe’s etc.) could work
• Some mentioned greenspace as an option
• Circulation an issue at the site – awkward access to I-35, may need a traffic signal
• Improved pedestrian circulation needed (possibly via a tunnel)
INPUT REVIEW
Stakeholders Main Takeaways
Housing
• People live here because its affordable, convenient and has a small neighborhood feel
• City should grow the population but don’t force homeowners to sell for redevelopment – focus on existing retail areas
• Maintain quality single-family homes (middle to upper-class homes are a strength of the community)
• Mixed views on rental properties -some want more apartments (2-3 stories), others want fewer rentals
• Concern with deterioration of housing in the Northeast quadrant – off 55th street
• Good mix of housing but need new single-family options as well as senior housing
• Housing prices are going up –concern
• Home rehabilitation is helping blighted properties but some homeowners may need financial assistance with maintenance

Quality of Life
• Small town feel with big city access
• Feel included in the community
• Should continue to improve due to increased revenue from IKEA, I-35, hotels etc.
• Wants to keep / stop losing community events – some think Turkey Creek Fest should move downtown
• Great location
• Some feel things like tree trimming and infrastructure improvements should be the focus
INPUT REVIEW
Stakeholders Main Takeaways
Flooding & Stormwater
• Need a master stormwater plan for city – should push for green infrastructure
• Downtown businesses are used to flood threat
• New development must be required to managed stormwater

Parks & Trails

• Turkey Creek Streamway Trail is great and city should extend trail in the community
• Parks should be maintained
• Need another park in SW Merriam
• Campbell Park needs a bathroom

Transportation
• Some said the city needs more public transportation (would love a light-rail line)
• Easy access via I-35
• Some areas with not great sidewalk access so kids can’t walk to school (need a safe route audit)
• Add crossings on Antioch Road and crossings on I-25 (pedestrians)
INPUT REVIEW
Stakeholders Main Takeaways
Growth
• Need to grow upwards – densify to save greenspace but careful not to hurt existing single-family neighborhoods
• City should try to grow population but don’t force homeowners to sell for redevelopment
• Need more diversified tax base (can’t rely on auto-oriented businesses only)
• Auto businesses are important and should be kept happy but some concern over used car / low-value car dealerships

City Leadership & Services

• People seem very happy with city leadership / vision
• Good elected officials with long-term views
• Very happy with services such as snow removal etc.
• City does a good job communicating
• Library needs improvement
• Do not want to see more merged services such as fire / police with other cities
INPUT REVIEW
Special Event Booths
Events & Engagement Methods
• Merriam Drive Live
• Merriam Farmer’s Market

• Preference Scales
• Visual Preference Exercises
INPUT REVIEW
Special Event Booths
Preference Scales
• Generally strong agreement among participants
• Strong pride about community / Merriam
• Mixed views on housing options available
• Equity and sustainability have strong support
• People generally feel safe
• Mixed views of financial incentive use in economic development
• High quality of life
• Mixed views on walkability and bikeability
• Generally supportive of growth and development
INPUT REVIEW
Special Event Booths
Preference Scales
INPUT REVIEW
Special Event Booths
Preference Scales
INPUT REVIEW
Special Event Booths
Visual Preference Exercises
• Mixed-Use Development
INPUT REVIEW
Special Event Booths
Visual Preference Exercises
• Housing
INPUT REVIEW
Special Event Booths
Visual Preference Exercises
• Parks & Recreation
INPUT REVIEW
Special Event Booths
Visual Preference Exercises
• Downtown Revitalization
MERRIAM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040

ETC Survey Results

A National Leader in Market Research for Local Government Organizations
• More than 2,000,000 Persons Surveyed Since 2009 in more than 900 cities in 49 states
• Helping organizations make better decisions
ETC SURVEY RESULTS
Survey Results Summary
• Purpose and Methodology
• Bottom Line Upfront
• Major Findings
• Summary
• Questions
ETC SURVEY RESULTS
Purpose
• To gather resident feedback on planning for the future of City programs and services

• To assist the City with updating its long-range Comprehensive Plan designed to guide growth and development of Merriam
through 2040
ETC SURVEY RESULTS
Methodology
Survey Description
• Five-page survey

Method of Administration
• By mail and online to random sample of households in the City of Merriam
• Each survey took approximately 10 minutes to complete

Sample Size
• Goal: 400 surveys
• Actual: 518 surveys

Margin of Error
• +/- 4.2% at the 95% level of confidence
ETC SURVEY RESULTS
Location of Survey
Respondents
Good Distribution of responses from
throughout the City

2020 City of Merriam Comprehensive Plan Survey

ETC SURVEY RESULTS
Bottom Line Up Front

Overall Perceptions of the City are Very High

• 96% of respondents gave either “excellent” or “good” ratings
• 93% of respondents believe the quality of life in the City will “improve” or “stay the same”
• 88% of respondents gave “excellent” or “good” ratings when asked to rate parks and recreation opportunities in the City

Respondents Support for Investments in Other Modes of Transportation

Priorities for the Future

• Preserving and maintaining neighborhoods in Merriam
• Increasing energy efficiency of City owned buildings and facilities
• Decreased use of fossil fuels and increased renewable energy
• Maintenance of streets, sidewalks, and storm sewer systems
• Attracting new retail development to Downtown/Merriam Drive
• Ensuring growth is thoroughly planned and thoughtful
ETC SURVEY RESULTS

Perceptions
Overall, perceptions of the City are high
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q24. City Ratings
by percentage of respondents using a 5‐point scale, where 5 means “excellent” and 1 means “poor” 
(excluding “don’t know”)

Overall quality of life in City 29% 62% 7% 1%

0%

Overall feeling of safety in City 32% 56% 9% 3% 1%

Overall quality of services provided by City 28% 57% 12% 2%1%

Very Low Levels of

“Below Average” and Overall condition of housing in your neighborhood 18% 62% 14% 6% 1%

“Poor” Ratings
Overall image of City 15% 62% 17% 6% 0%

Overall value that you receive for your City tax & fees 22% 49% 24% 4% 1%

How well City is managing development activity 10% 45% 35% 6% 4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Excellent Good Neutral Below Average Poor
Source:   ETC Institute (2020)
ETC SURVEY RESULTS
Overall Quality of Services
Provided by the City
The City is doing an excellent job
ensuring all services are being
delivered equitably

City Ratings
Mean rating on a 5-point scale

1.0-1.8 Excellent
1.8-2.6 Good
2.6-3.4 Neutral
3.4-4.2 Below Average
4.2-5.0 Poor
No Response

ETC INSTITUTE 2020 City of Merriam Comprehensive Plan Survey

Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG
ETC SURVEY RESULTS
How Well the City is Managing
Development Activity
Some areas of the City are less satisfied
with the way the City is managing
development activity

56% of respondents disagreed with the

following statement: Individuals and
developers should be free to develop
with minimal controls from the City
City Ratings
Mean rating on a 5-point scale

1.0-1.8 Excellent
1.8-2.6 Good
2.6-3.4 Neutral
3.4-4.2 Below Average
4.2-5.0 Poor
No Response

ETC INSTITUTE 2020 City of Merriam Comprehensive Plan Survey

Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG
ETC SURVEY RESULTS

Housing Priorities
What do respondents think are the biggest housing issues?
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q13. Do you feel the housing options available in Merriam 
match your price range?
by percentage of respondents

71%

Respondents Believe
Merriam is an Affordable
Place to Live

18%

11%

Yes No Not Sure
Source:   ETC Institute (2020)
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q12. Level of Support for Actions the City of Merriam Could 
Take to Address Housing Priorities
by percentage of respondents using a 5‐point scale, where 5 means “very supportive" and 1 means "not at all supportive" 
(without "don’t know”)

Merriam should focus on property maintenance 
& neighborhood preservation 40% 49% 9% 1% 1%

The City Should Merriam should encourage senior housing options 21% 43% 29% 3% 3%

Continue to Emphasize
Property Maintenance
Merriam should provide a mix of housing to 
and Neighborhood attract people at various life stages
20% 42% 25% 7% 6%

Preservation
Merriam should regulate teardown & rebuild 
of existing single‐family homes
16% 31% 33% 12% 8%

Merriam should encourage development of new 
8% 20% 36% 18% 19%
apartments & condominiums

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Very Supportive Supportive Neutral Not Supportive Not at all Supportive
Source:   ETC Institute (2020)
ETC SURVEY RESULTS
Merriam Should Encourage the
Development of New Apartments
And Condominiums
Overall results were neutral, but one area of
the community was “not supportive” of this
action

Level of Support
Mean rating on a 5-point scale

1.0-1.8 Not Supportive At All

1.8-2.6 Not Supportive
2.6-3.4 Neutral
3.4-4.2 Supportive
4.2-5.0 Very Supportive
No Response

ETC INSTITUTE 2020 City of Merriam Comprehensive Plan Survey

Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG
ETC SURVEY RESULTS

Future Growth
Merriam Moving Forward
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q22. In the future, do you think the overall quality of life in 
Merriam will...
by percentage of respondents

48%

Respondents Have a
Positive Outlook on the
Future of Merriam
7%

45%

Improve Stay the Same Decline

Source:   ETC Institute (2020)
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q19. Which of the following statements best describes your 
views toward population growth in Merriam?
by percentage of respondents

33%

13%
The City Should Ensure 3%
Any Actions Regarding 2%

Growth are Sustainable

and Intentional
49%

I do not want growth
Some growth is fine, but I want to keep the small‐town feel
Growth will bring more needed retail & commercial services
Growth is inevitable, but should be done in a sustainable/intentional way
Other
Source:   ETC Institute (2020)
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q20. THREE most important objectives that should be used 
to guide future growth and development in Merriam.
by percentage of respondents

Maintaining livable neighborhoods 70%

Ensuring Merriam is a place that supports aging in place 
with adequate services & infrastructure for older adults 49%

Maintaining a low level of environmental pollution 38%

Building a walkable and/or bikeable community 
with access to retail & recreational spaces 35%
Focus Should be On
Having access to open space 22%
Neighborhoods and
Vulnerable Populations Increasing recreation opportunities for all age groups 20%

Expanding & enhancing visual appearance of buildings 17%

Attracting new housing & growth 14%

Implementing enhanced streetscapes in focused areas 13%

Other 5%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Source:   ETC Institute (2020)
ETC SURVEY RESULTS

Investment Opportunities
Where Should Merriam Focus Future Resources?
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q3. How important is it that the City allocate funds to invest in 
other modes of transportation such as walking, bicycling, and 
public transportation?
by percentage of respondents

24%
Most Respondents Think it 35%
is Important for the City to Very Important
Invest in Alternative Important
Neutral
Transportation Modes 6% Not Important
Not at all Important

7%

29%

Source:   ETC Institute (2020)
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q5. If bicycle infrastructure was developed in Merriam, would 
you use it?
by percentage of respondents

Although 48% of Respondents 31%

Believe the City Should Focus
on this Investment, Only 31%
Indicated They Would Use It

49%
20%

Most Respondents Indicated They Would

Use Additional Bicycle Infrastructure for
Exercise (41%) or Recreation (37%)
Yes No Not Sure
Source:   ETC Institute (2020)
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q16. Which TWO of the items listed in Question 15 would 
you be most willing to fund with your City tax dollars?
by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top two choices

Decrease use of fossil fuels & increase their use of  41%
renewable energy

Increasing Energy
Efficiency and Increase energy efficiency of City owned buildings & 
35%
facilities
Decreasing Fossil Fuel
Consumption Are Top
Investment Priorities
Initiate green stormwater infrastructure 32%

Adopt green building codes in all new development 25%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Source:   ETC Institute (2020) 1st Choice 2nd Choice
ETC SURVEY RESULTS Q25. Level of Agreement With the Following Statements
by percentage of respondents using a 5‐point scale, where 5 means "strongly agree" and 1 means “strongly disagree” 
(without “don’t know”)

Maintain streets, sidewalks, & storm sewer systems 52% 44% 4% 0%

Maintain existing buildings 35% 50% 14% 1%1%

Make energy efficiency a priority when purchasing 
vehicles & making improvements to public buildings 37% 42% 17% 2%1%

Develop a plan that directs future growth & 
development in appropriate areas 23% 56% 17% 3%1%

Top 5 Most Important Items to Plant more trees on City property & preserve 

existing park/green spaces
35% 43% 18% 3%2%

Respondents Are Highlighted Attract new retail development to 

28% 49% 18% 4%1%
Downtown/Merriam Drive
Use local tax resources to protect Downtown 
from flooding 22% 52% 22% 2%1%

Improve appearance of Downtown/Merriam Drive 27% 44% 22% 6% 2%

Increase number, variety & quality of employment 
opportunities in Merriam 16% 51% 28% 3%2%

Incorporate additional pedestrian amenities along 
18% 44% 29% 7% 2%
existing City roadway corridors to improve walkability
Improve community access to entertainment & 
18% 44% 30% 7% 1%
dining options City otherwise lacks

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Source:   ETC Institute (2020)
ETC SURVEY RESULTS
Summary

Overall Perceptions of the City are Very High

Respondents Support for Investments in Other Modes of Transportation

• The likelihood that respondents would use these additional modes of transportation if they were developed is unclear
• The survey results point to most respondents not using alternative modes of transportation if developed

Priorities for the Future

• Preserving and maintaining neighborhoods in Merriam
• Increasing energy efficiency of City owned buildings and facilities
• Decreased use of fossil fuels and increased renewable energy
• Maintenance of streets, sidewalks, and storm sewer systems
• Attracting new retail development to Downtown/Merriam Drive
• Ensuring growth is thoroughly planned and thoughtful
MERRIAM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040

Vision & Goals

Review
VISION & GOALS REVIEW
Summary
• Vision Statement Discussion
• Goals Discussion
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

2001 Merriam Comprehensive Plan

Original Vision Statement

Merriam is a quality place that attracts people because of its strong neighborhoods, accessible shopping,
job opportunities, inviting public spaces and its convenient location to regional attractions.
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

Vision Statement Additions

Joint Workshop with Planning Commission and City Council

• Cultural
• Welcoming
• Multi-generational (encouraging all ages)
• Affordability
• Diverse
• Branding-effort
• Welcoming
• Engaging
• Inclusive
• Dynamic
• Adaptable
• Safe
• Attractive (tree-lined streets)
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

Vision Statement Best Practices

A City’s vision statement identifies the overriding aspirations of the community in a way that distinguishes it from any other community.

It is your overall aspiration for the City

• Distinctive – when read, it should not be applicable to any other City

• Written in present tense – you never stop striving toward your vision
• Goals & strategies get completed – vision statements are constant
• Specific in ways it distinguishes the City
• Use as a criteria for decision-making and goals framework

1st paragraph: Lofty but distinctive

2nd paragraph: Specific descriptions of who you are, what you do & how you do it that makes you unique or distinctive

3rd paragraph: Inspirational impact

VISION & GOALS REVIEW

Vision Statement Examples

Southside Junction
Southside Junction is a lively unique, arts and entertainment district that attracts citizens and visitors to shop, do business and enjoy themed
entertainment venues in a safe, historic neighborhood of St. Joseph.

The Junction welcomes students, neighborhood residents, and visitors’ to a festival atmosphere of permanent boutique retail stores, art
studios, galleries, antique and specialty shops and long established St. Joseph businesses.

Changing exhibits, outdoor festivals, annual community events throughout the year draw wide range visitors to eclectic activities in this unique
neighborhood of St. Joseph.
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

Vision Statement Examples

Kansas City Design Center
The mission of the KCDC is to facilitate deeper understanding and foster improved quality of life, economic development and environmental
stewardship in the Kansas City area through design, planning, research and education about the built environment.

The Kansas City Design Center is jointly operated by the Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning and Design and the
University of Kansas School of Architecture, Design and Planning. The KCDC provides urban design assistance to community groups and non-
profit organizations especially those representing underserved areas and underfunded initiatives, while providing an independent forum for
discussion of the future of Kansas City.

The activities and publications of the Kansas City Design Center are intended to instigate positive change, promote investment, and foster
good-will and community engagement with the sponsoring institutions and organizations.
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

Vision Statement Examples

Neighborhoods Mean Business
Recognizing that neighborhoods are the city’s most valuable assets, Neighborhoods Mean Business was founded by a grass roots coalition of
neighborhood leaders to rebuild the communication channels with city hall at all levels, and to advocate citizen-based city planning and zoning
that ultimately benefits both neighborhood and business. To that end, Neighborhoods Mean Business will continue to strongly advocate for
continued constructive dialogue between city departments and neighborhoods and lobby for increased adherence to process in zoning and
planning decisions thereby becoming a stronger voice for neighborhoods throughout Kansas City.
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

Vision Statement Examples

Focus KC Plan
We, as Kansas Citians, envision our city as a people-centered community. From economic development to the readability of street signs, we
consider people first. Kansas City shapes and guarantees its future by examining first and foremost the impact of every decision on future
generations.

• Kansas Citians are committed to the urban core of our city

• Kansas Citians support quality development.
• Kansas Citians are proud of their fountains, boulevards, park and trees.
• Kana Citians live in neighborhoods that work together.
• Kansas Citians are happy and healthy in the cleanest city in the country
• Kansas Citians accept people of any culture or lifestyle.
• Kansas Citians develop jobs for the future
• Etc.
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

2001 Merriam Comprehensive Plan

Possible Updated Vision Statement #1
The City of Merriam embraces a dynamic and friendly culture that reflects our strong historic and visible link to our surrounding
communities. We are a connection point for shared amenities, not just for our diverse residents, but also welcoming our
neighboring communities. We maintain and improve our connections to promote ease of access and highlight our family-
oriented principles.

We recognize and salute our unique history of multi-modal transportation network that established Merriam as a key first-ring
suburb. An inclusive and well-maintained first-tier suburban community, the City of Merriam enjoys great visibility and
convenient access along the I-35 Corridor through its strategic location between other metro communities and Downtown
Kansas City.

Merriam welcomes people by offering convenient access to shopping and services, an eclectic downtown area, quality civic
facilities and recreational opportunities, diverse and affordable family-friendly neighborhoods, and an enhanced parks and trails
network attractive to a wide age range and demographics.
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

2001 Merriam Comprehensive Plan

Possible Updated Vision Statement #2
A friendly, first-tier suburban community strategically located along the I-35 Corridor, the City of Merriam enjoys fantastic visibility
and access to support commerce while offering residents quality services, updated civic facilities and open space areas, and a
range of family-oriented neighborhoods appealing to all ages and demographics.

Merriam is a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community with active citizen participation, strong civic leadership and an
engaging “can-do” spirit that honors the City’s past while embracing opportunities for future growth in housing, shopping, jobs
and services.

The City of Merriam will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen the tax base and expand employment opportunities by
attracting high-quality commercial and mixed-use development along key corridors, while continuing to invest in further
enhancing the community’s family-oriented quality of life.
.
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

Vision Statement Poll

Which vision statement do you most prefer?

VISION & GOALS REVIEW
Possible Updated Vision Statement #1
The City of Merriam embraces a dynamic and friendly culture that
reflects our strong historic and visible link to our surrounding
communities. We are a connection point for shared amenities, not just
for our diverse residents, but also welcoming our neighboring
communities. We maintain and improve our connections to promote
ease of access and highlight our family-oriented principles.
We recognize and salute our unique history of multi-modal
transportation network that established Merriam as a key first-ring
suburb. An inclusive and well-maintained first-tier suburban
community, the City of Merriam enjoys great visibility and convenient
access along the I-35 Corridor through its strategic location between
other metro communities and Downtown Kansas City.
Merriam welcomes people by offering convenient access to shopping
and services, an eclectic downtown area, quality civic facilities and
recreational opportunities, diverse and affordable family-friendly
neighborhoods, and an enhanced parks and trails network attractive
to a wide age range and demographics.
Possible Updated Vision Statement #2
A friendly, first-tier suburban community strategically located along the I-35
Corridor, the City of Merriam enjoys fantastic visibility and access to support
commerce while offering residents quality services, updated civic facilities and
open space areas, and a range of family-oriented neighborhoods appealing to
all ages and demographics.
Merriam is a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community with active citizen
participation, strong civic leadership and an engaging “can-do” spirit that
honors the City’s past while embracing opportunities for future growth in
housing, shopping, jobs and services.
The City of Merriam will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen the tax
base and expand employment opportunities by attracting high-quality
commercial and mixed-use development along key corridors, while continuing
to invest in further enhancing the community’s family-oriented quality of life.
.
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

2020 Goals Review – PC and City Council Joint Workshop (Nov. 2019)
• Housing Choice & Diversity
• Reinvestment
• Public Services
• Identity
• Mixed-Use Developments
• Walkability
• Visual Appearance
• Durability
• Parking
• Multi-Modal

Other Goals to Consider

• Sustainability
• Bury overhead utility lines / upgrade facilities to prevent outages due to storms
• Increase the tree canopy of the City
• Attract families with children to move to the City
VISION & GOALS REVIEW

1. Housing Choice & Diversity

Merriam offers a choice of well-designed and maintained housing types and sizes to meet the needs of residents of
different economic levels and age groups
PC / CC Comments:
• This goal still relevant
• Does this goal meet the needs of senior citizens?
• Reference Universal Design
• Encourage mother in-law suits and accessory dwelling units
• Review current codes to ensure it is not acting as a barrier to home renovations

2. Reinvestment
Merriam’s housing stock contributes to the vitality of neighborhoods.

PC / CC Comments:
• This goal is still relevant but should be more specific
• Include flexibility and make this more of an action-oriented goal
VISION
GOALSRE&VI
GOALS
EW REVIEW

3. Public Services
People are attracted to Merriam because of the quality of educational, recreation, public safety, infrastructure, medical
and social services.
PC / CC Comments:
• This goal still relevant
• Medical and social services should be at the top of the list
• Include extra focus on education
• Emphasize quality of services
• Separate out what City can control and list as City Services

4. Identity
Merriam’s neighborhoods have a distinct identity that helps define their boundaries and fosters pride and belonging among
residents.
PC / CC Comments:
• This goal still relevant but a little less important now
• It may be possible to merge with another goal
VISION
GOALSRE&VI
GOALS
EW REVIEW

5. Mixed Development
Merriam’s commercial development includes many activity centers where a variety of uses (e.g. retail stores, residences,
civic buildings, and office) thrive because they are connected.
PC / CC Comments:
• This goal still relevant but needs to be made more clear the appropriate scale and location for new
mixed use development

6. Walkability
Merriam’s activity areas are designed for pedestrian access

PC / CC Comments:
• This goal is still relevant and could be combined with goal 10
• The City has made good progress on this goal
VISION
GOALSRE&VI
GOALS
EW REVIEW

7. Visual Appearance
Merriam’s commercial developments are visually appealing

PC / CC Comments:
• This goal is still relevant and should include a commercial development focus.
• Add uniqueness / character language to this goal but without prescribing a specific style of architecture
• Should include language about being welcoming

8. Durability
Merriam’s commercial buildings are built to last with quality materials and are designed for changing uses to accommodate
shifts in the market.
PC / CC Comments:
• This goal is still relevant and could be combined with a goal on sustainability
VISION
GOALSRE&VI
GOALS
EW REVIEW

9. Parking
Merriam’s shopping areas provide convenient parking consistent with the scale, location and type of stores.

PC / CC Comments:
• This goal is still partially relevant, but the focus area should be the Downtown, residential areas, entertainment
and event spaces, and car sales storage.

10. Multimodal
Merriam’s transportation system appropriately accommodates various modes of transportation balancing access, mobility and
congestion minimalization
PC / CC Comments:
• This goal is still relevant and should be expanded to include connecting bike lanes to the metro, adding charging
stations and transit in general.
VISION
GOALSRE&VI
GOALS
EW REVIEW

Other Best Practices to Consider

• Heath & wellness
• Jobs / economy
• Specific vs. general goals
VISION
GOALSRE&VI
GOALS
EW REVIEW

Proposed Updated Goals List

1. Housing Choice & Diversity
2. Neighborhood Reinvestment
3. Quality Public Services
4. Identity & Character
5. Mixed-Use and Commercial Activity Centers
6. Sustainable Growth
7. Multi-Modal Mobility
VISION
GOALSRE&VI
GOALS
EW REVIEW

1. Housing Choice & Diversity

Merriam offers residents a variety of housing types and sizes that meet the needs of residents from different economic
groups, ability levels, stages of life and age groups that includes creative housing solutions such as Universal Design and
accessory dwelling units.

2. Neighborhood Reinvestment
Merriam strategically targets neighborhoods for improvement by incentivizing investment and maintenance of the community’s
housing stock.

3. Quality Public Services

People are attracted to Merriam because of the continued investment in the quality of medical and social services,
educational, recreation, public safety, and infrastructure, all of which help improve the health and wellness of residents.

4. Identity & Character

Merriam, and its many neighborhoods, have distinct identities that create a sense of place to foster pride and belonging
among residents and attract young families to settle and make their long-term home in Merriam.
VISION
GOALSRE&VI
GOALS
EW REVIEW

5. Mixed-Use and Commercial Activity Centers

Merriam contains a thoughtful mix of commercial and mixed-use activity centers that are visually appealing, connected and of
appropriate scale for the community with necessary transitional buffers to protect exiting residential areas.

6. Sustainable Growth
Merriam uses future-oriented decision-making to support sustainable growth and development through a diversified tax and
employment base to promote prosperity, sensible environmental regulation to protect natural resources, and durable
development made with quality materials and thoughtful design that allow for flexibility and resiliency.

7. Multi-Modal Mobility
Merriam’s transportation system supports various modes of transportation balancing access, parking, mobility and congestion
minimalization while expanding access to sidewalks, bike lanes, charging stations and public transit in general.
VISION
GOALSRE&VI
GOALS
EW REVIEW

From Goals to Chapters

NEXT STEPS…

• Analysis Review Joint Workshop

(JW#1)

• Updated Project Schedule Graphic??