Johnson County residents urged to weigh in on commission district boundaries
JOHNSON CO., Kan. (KCTV) - Residents in Johnson County, Kansas, have been urged to weigh in on how new commission district boundary lines should be drawn.
The Johnson County, Kansas, Board of County Commissioners ed leaders on Thursday, May 22, to encourage residents to weigh in on how commission district boundary lines should be updated. The BOCC has chosen three proposed maps to share with the public as part of the 2025 redistricting process.
Due to population growth at different levels throughout the county, leaders noted that redistricting is necessary to ensure they are “as compact and equal in population as possible,” and to ensure representation among districts remains fair.
County officials indicated that the maximum population deviation between districts should be about 10%. In 2025, the deviation in Johnson County reached more than 11%.
In February, the County said it launched a redistricting project in partnership with Haystaz DNA, a consultant with decades of experience on redistricting projects. The mapping and population experts have worked with county staff who also have knowledge in this area.
“In addition to the expertise of our county staff and our consultants, we want to hear what our residents think about redrawing our commission district boundaries,” said Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly. “I hope our residents will take the opportunity to provide on the proposed maps, or even create one of their own. Community input is always appreciated.”
At the BOCC’s May 22 Committee of the Whole session, said they reached a conclusion on three draft maps for community and commissioners to consider. The public has been urged to provide on those maps and access the online tool, Dave’s Redistricting App.
Residents have been invited to edit the proposed maps or draw their own, now through June 16. They can share maps with the county or provide other . For more information, click HERE.
During the first week of June, public officials said engagement sessions are expected to take place in each commission district to explain the process and show attendees how the mapping tool is used. Those meetings are as follows:
- District 2 - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, June 2 - Shawnee Library, 13811 Johnson Dr., Shawnee
- District 5 - 3 - 5 p.m., Monday, June 2 - istration Building, 111 S. Cherry St., Olathe
- District 1 - 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 3 - Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Rd., Prairie Village
- District 3 - 3 - 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 3 - Blue Valley Library, 9000 W 151 St., Overland Park
- District 6 - 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 4 - Gardner Library, 137 E. Shawnee St., Gardner
- District 4 - 3 - 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 4 - Lenexa City Center Library, 8778 Penrose Ln., Lenexa
Additionally, county leaders noted that a virtual public engagement Lunch and Learn will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on June 11. The link will be available HERE.
County officials indicated that data and population numbers are not the only factors used to draw district maps. The BOCC needs to consider legal standards as well as a set of criteria used as a lens when reviewing and voting gon a new map.
At the April 3 Committee of the Whole session, the BOCC said it came to a conclusion on the following matters:
- Population equivalency
- Logical, compact configuration
- Existing voting precincts
- Where possible, keep cities whole
- Accommodation of future growth and population increases
- Recognition of existing boundaries and continuity with previous district plans
- Continuity in office
- Number of voters moving between districts
The BOCC concluded that it plans to adopt a new county map in August.
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