Council keeps mobility staffing language in strategic goals after debate

An amendment to strike item 5 in Goal 3 ' the language to "create a comprehensive mobility implementation strategy, including the allocation of new dedicated staff resources" ' was proposed and defeated, leaving the staff-resourcing language in the recommended strategic goals.

Proponents argued that mobility plans have been under development for years, that Overland Park lacks a dedicated mobility position, and that explicit council support would help ensure staff capacity. "We've been working on some of those mobility efforts for going on five years now... there's frustration that some of these plans, largely due to staff capacity, have not been achieved in a more timely manner," Council member Logan said. Opponents said staffing direction belongs in the budget process and that hiring decisions should be left to the city manager. Gina told the committee the options were to amend the budget directly or provide policy-level direction in the plan; she said, "If you do, I will add a position in the 2028 budget... because I'm going to do what you're telling me to do." The hand vote to remove the mobility language failed, so the recommended goals retain the mobility staffing language.