Outstanding Implementation

Project Management Program

Project Management Program provides a unique, innovative, and collaborative approach of helping applicants navigate the planning review process successfully. Planning processes can be cumbersome and intimidating at times. Every applicant is assigned a Project Manager to help successfully navigate each planning application step. The Project Manager serves as this liaison from the very start of a project (zoning) all the way through completion of construction.

Time was spent evaluating our planning processes, meeting with applicants and developers, and reaching out to other planning departments. The result was the creation of the Project Management Program which consists of a team of project managers with experience in planning, construction, or architecture. Several also have their AICP. Project Managers serve as liaison between the applicant and other departments including public works and water utilities ensuring timelines are met and helping to work out any issues or conditions. They attend Planning Commission and City Council meetings with the applicant to answer questions and explain outcomes. This frees time for the planner to focus on their presentations and other meeting responsibilities.

Communication and collaboration can be difficult when the planner is both the main point of contact and reviewer on a project; especially if the project is lacking in meeting code requirements or there are other application issues involving different city departments. The project manager is able to facilitate discussions and be solutions-focused. Since the program began in 2014 we have had a project manager assigned to over 1,200 planning application requests. We are now able to shift our mindset from regulatory and enforcement to a truly collaborative effort with open communication and sense of partnership throughout the planning process. Applicants have someone not directly responsible for reviewing their application to shepherd them through the planning process. This has reduced planning review times and increased application approvals. But more importantly, this has improved communication, understanding, and relationships.
The team spent considerable time speaking to the development community about what they’d like to see to improve our planning process. It was also necessary to get buy-in from elected officials to fund the program and staffing needs. The Council continues to receive positive feedback from the development community on the program and in 2019 approved an expansion to increase staffing from 3 to 4 project managers.

Planners were crucial in explaining concerns they heard from applicants and recommendations for improvement. Developers and various community groups such as the KC Home Builder’s Association were involved in providing input as well. Planners work closely with project managers and have weekly meetings to continue fostering collaboration and efficiencies.

The Project Management Program has elevated the planning processes and developers’ attitudes towards planning in Lee’s Summit. While the team had intended for this program to make a positive impact on developers and applicants, it has also elevated their standing as a community of choice. Residential and commercial builders and developers alike have told them that their program’s success has been one of the main factors in deciding to do business in Lee’s Summit. New development provides more options for housing, jobs, and services for residents and greater success for business owners.