Overland Park consistently enjoys top rankings as a “best place.”

This year alone some of our top ten rankings include:

• #2 - Top 5 Places to Raise a Family (WalletHub)
• #2 – 10 Best Places for Families to Live in the U.S. (Travel + Leisure)
• #2 – Happiest Cities in America (WalletHub)
• #7 – Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. (Livability)
• #10 – Top 10 Cities for Rental Activity (RentCafe)

There are other laudable rankings – for affordability, safety, jobs and retirement. And no – the City and Chamber don’t purchase these rankings. We find out about them when you do, from press releases and media coverage that highlight the attributes we all value about our city – its high quality of life, commitment to parks, recreation and culture, high educational attainment, excellent public and private education, a diverse economic base providing quality jobs, exceptional health care systems and infrastructure supporting transportation and technology connectivity.

In June, our 41st class graduated from Leadership Overland Park. Since January, they’ve explored the opportunities and challenges of these headline-winning characteristics with a thorough SWOT analysis. Some areas of concern are mental health, access to childcare, diversity in and cost of housing, transportation access and building an office environment that is live/work/play to attract talent.

In the final session, I asked them to craft their vision for Overland Park. Here were some of their responses:

• To foster a vibrant, inclusive community where residents can thrive. We aim to celebrate our growing diversity and strive to enhance the quality of life through thoughtful development, where live, work, learning and play intertwine.
• A city that strives to evolve and adapt to the needs of families and local businesses, being progressive in development which supports a diverse and connected community and cultivating a new century where you can learn, work, play & belong.
• A community that takes care of its communities.

Look for these leaders in the community and think about who you’ll nominate for #LOP2025. Nomination forms are available on our website – click here – or contact Pam at pglickman@opchamber.org.