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Johnson County unveils broadband access plan focused on unincorporated areas, equity and a ‘broadband-ready’ checklist
Summary
County planning staff presented a 37-page Johnson County Broadband and Digital Access Plan centered on unincorporated areas; the plan recommends short-, mid- and long-term actions including a public website, ISP engagement, device-donation drives and certification as a Kansas Broadband Ready Community.
Johnson County planning staff presented a Broadband and Digital Access Plan to the Board of County Commissioners on March 6 that targets gaps in service and digital equity in the county’s unincorporated areas and sets a structure for county involvement going forward.
Jay Leipzig, director of Planning, Housing and Community Development, said the 37‑page plan frames broadband as a utility-like infrastructure and outlines short‑term actions (2025), mid‑term steps (2026 and beyond) and aspirational long‑term goals. Short-term recommendations include publishing a central website and point-of-contact for broadband reports and ISP engagement, pursuing Kansas Broadband Ready Community certification, and coordinating with the Mid-America Regional Council and state broadband office.
Leipzig said the plan grew from stakeholder interviews, 3 community engagement meetings and targeted outreach to libraries, schools, cities and nonprofits; staff estimated about 25 attendees at community engagement meetings, plus additional stakeholder interviews. Aaron Deacon of KC Digital Drive, who participated in plan development, noted the county’s Internet Access Support Program has enrolled hundreds of Johnson County households over the pandemic period and related outreach — he said the pilot ultimately helped “over 500 Johnson County families.”
The plan focuses on the unincorporated county but recommends countywide leadership on device donation drives (two per year), social-equity measures, and coordination with cities to ensure fiber-ready subdivisions. No formal adoption was required at the March 6 meeting; staff said they will return in late March with a resolution to accept the document and that the county manager’s office will coordinate implementation.
Commissioners thanked staff and emphasized the plan’s equity and economic development implications; several asked staff to ensure the plan addresses apartments, renters and language access as part of the implementation.
