Reflections on City/County Management
What does City Management mean to you?
City Management is about working together with others to improve the community and make it a better place, where people are proud to live, work, and play. It involves fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to continuously improve, enhancing the quality of services and amenities provided to citizens. It also means supporting existing and new businesses and industries to foster economic growth.
What does a successful improvement or project look like?
A successful project is one that delivers meaningful benefits to the citizens, improves their quality of life, and makes the community more attractive to residents, businesses, and visitors. Success is measured by the positive impact on citizens and the lasting value it adds to the community.
What are some improvements you are most proud of?
One of the improvements I am most proud of is the adoption of our Comprehensive Plan in May of 2024, replacing a plan that was written over 40 years ago. The new plan lays the foundation for the City’s growth and development, ensuring a sustainable and forward-thinking approach to meeting community needs.
I am also proud of the Central Park Sports Complex project. This $11 million phased development represents an initiative to promote healthy activity in our community, focused on inclusivity, safety, and expanding recreational opportunities. Highlights include:
- A new four-plex of baseball/softball fields catering to all recreation league age groups.
- Soccer fields, pickleball courts, batting cages, improved basketball courts, and a year-round outdoor fitness court.
- A lighted 1.1-mile hiking trail and a flexible-use grass field for multi-purpose activities.
- Expanded parking, ADA-accessible facilities, upgraded seating, improved lighting, and enhanced infrastructure to address flooding and traffic concerns.
This collaborative effort reflects the power of unity and shared vision as we work toward completing the final phases. It highlights what can be accomplished when everyone comes together for a common goal. This project’s success would not have been possible without the support of elected officials, the dedication of staff, especially our Finance Director who served as project manager, and the contributions of the Independence Recreation Commission, the Land & Water Conservation Fund, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and other partners, including future collaborators.
Improving the quality of housing is the City Commission's #1 goal, and they have been very supportive in working toward this vision. I am equally excited about current and future housing projects that will further strengthen our community, including:
- Increased funding for the Neighborhood Exterior Grant to help maintain and beautify existing houses.
- Increased funding to demolish dilapidated houses to improve neighborhoods.
- Adoption of a maintenance code to address blighted vacant houses.
- Continuation of the Downtown Building Grant which has encouraged upper-story housing developments in our historic downtown.
- New single-family housing construction by our Housing Authority, slated to begin later this year.
- The acquisition of over 100 acres of land by the City for future housing opportunities and flood control.
If you could share one piece of career-related wisdom with a colleague, what would it be?
City Management is about teamwork, adaptability, and recognizing the foundation others have built for your success. I am deeply thankful to the City Commission for allowing me to serve in this role. It is truly an honor and privilege to work alongside them in shaping our community's future. I also want to recognize my dedicated Assistant City Manager, whose support in operational and administrative matters is invaluable in helping Independence achieve its goals.
Remember that you got where you are because others believed in and supported you—it is now your responsibility to believe in and support others in return. This includes inspiring, encouraging and mentoring future generations of local government leaders to step forward and continue this important work. This sense of mentorship, mutual encouragement and professional development is at the heart of what KACM represents.
Be thankful for your elected officials, staff, City board members, volunteers, and citizens that make it possible for you to do what you do. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and respond with understanding and grace. Approach every interaction with an open mind, focusing on understanding and collaboration. Address challenges with compassion, resilience, and understanding, while leading with humility and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Never stop learning, participate in associations like the Kansas Association of City/County Managers (KACM), the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM), and the American Planning Association (APA) to expand your knowledge and network. Engage in training opportunities like the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program and Kansas Leadership Center initiatives. Encourage others to do the same, not only enhancing your own leadership skills and knowledge but also empowering and developing new leaders who will guide thriving, vibrant communities into the future.
Kelly Passauer, CPM
City Manager
City of Independence, Kansas