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Johnson County updates board priorities; airport study finds $1.1 billion annual economic impact
Summary
County staff reported progress on housing, infrastructure, broadband, public-safety and workforce goals, and presented a study finding the New Century Airport Center generates roughly $1.1 billion annually and supports nearly 5,000 jobs.
County staff on Jan. 23 provided a progress report on the Board of County Commissioners' strategic priorities and highlighted several housing, infrastructure and workforce initiatives underway.
Deputy accounting manager Julie Cairns and staff outlined accomplishments and ongoing work in housing stability, homelessness services, landlord incentives, home-repair and preservation programs, and planning work tied to the Panasonic site and transportation connections. Adam Norris and other staff reported that landlord incentives and outreach have helped recruit new landlords and place households, and that home-preservation programs and Habitat for Humanity projects are underway.
Staff also described forthcoming work on broadband and digital access, a transportation connection plan for the Panasonic area, and a multi-stage zoning and subdivision regulation update. Emily Vincent and staff described public-health and safety work, including creation of an equity advisory coalition, a sustainability advisory coalition and language-access efforts.
Julie Cairns also summarized human-resources investments: recruitment and retention improvements, a reduced vacancy rate (about half of the 2023 level), turnover stabilization and a high engagement score in an employee survey conducted in 2024.
In a separate briefing, county staff presented an economic impact study the Johnson County Airport Commission commissioned from the County Economic Research Institute (CERI). Julie Cairns said, "The results of the study show that the New Century Airport Center generates a substantial $1,100,000,000 annually in economic impact." Airport staff said the facility supports nearly 5,000 jobs and that strategic investments have spurred activity and workforce development.
Commissioners asked for follow-up detail on some metrics and on how outcomes will be measured going forward. Commissioner Ashcraft asked for more information about tax or revenue contributions in the airport report; airport staff said tax details were not included in the CERI study. Commissioners also emphasized the importance of continued data-driven reporting to quantify program outcomes in homelessness, housing placement and other priorities.
County staff said several items will return to the board for further review, including the broadband plan, the transportation plan for the Panasonic area and draft zoning/subdivision updates planned for 2026 board consideration.
